KAWARTHA LAKES-More than 240 inmates have been released from the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay amid concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Solicitor General says it’s part of an effort to reduce the inmate population over the next few weeks.
“The health and safety of our staff and those in our custody is the top priority.” Kristy Denette, Spokesperson, Ministry of Solicitor General told Kawartha 411 News. “We have made operational changes at our adult provincial correctional institutions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including restricting personal visitors, substantially reducing inmate in-person court appearances and proactively reducing the inmate population.”
Since March 16, these measures have reduced the population at Central East Correctional Centre from 1,036 to 796 according to the Ministry and they anticipate the number of inmates in custody will continue to decrease over the coming weeks. This despite the fact that not one inmate at the facility has tested positive so far.
On March 13, the province announced operational changes for all of Ontario’s adult correctional facilities to reduce the possible transmission of COVID-19. This included the decision to give temporary absences to intermittent inmates who serve time in custody on the weekends to permit them to return home, and to suspend personal visits at all correctional facilities.
“We are also working with the courts and police to reduce the number of individuals coming into custody, while ensuring public safety is not compromised.” Denette said.
Since March 16, these measures have reduced the population at all facilities across Ontario from 8,344 to 6,152.
On March 20th regulatory amendments to the Ministry of Correctional Services Act were announced to allow correctional services to expand the use of temporary absences. In addition to intermittent inmates, longer-term temporary absences allow for early release of those inmates who are close to the end of their sentence.
“The ministry continues to review eligible inmates to determine whether they are appropriate for early release. Inmates chosen must be near the end of their sentences, be considered a low risk to reoffend and not convicted of serious crimes.”
Here’s what the Ministry says constitutes a “serious crime”.
“Inmates convicted of serious crimes, such as violent crimes or crimes involving guns, are not considered for early release.” says Denette.
Meanwhile staff at the facility say this is all a moot point as physical distancing is not being practiced.
“If Ontario residents are to follow distancing guidelines, why won’t the Ministry limit the number of inmates out of their cells? Not saying they should be locked down 24/7 but limit number of inmates out at a time to give them the extra space to keep their distance for their safety and ours.” said a source inside the facility, who did not want to be identified out of fear of losing their job. “We should be doing everything possible as quickly as possible to limit potential spread of COVID-19 inside institutions.”
Our source says it’s a matter of public safety. “If there is a outbreak in an institution it affects other inmates, correctional staff and their families and community hospitals that are already having issues of their own.”
The Ministry says each institution has an individualized pandemic plan utilized in consultation with local public health partners.
“There are also processes in place to address environment cleaning. Our correctional facilities are inspected and thoroughly cleaned daily and/or as required. Proper handwashing and cough/sneezing etiquette has also been communicated to staff and inmates. Inmates are also educated on methods to reduce the spread of illness, including COVID-19, and are provided cleaning products to keep their living areas clean.” Denette explained.
Officials say those being admitted to provincial facilities are subject to screening procedures for respiratory illness that align with guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. In addition to inmates being medically assessed at admission, they also receive care as required during their incarceration. No mention of social distancing.
But our sources say anyone coming into these institutions are not yet being screened.
The government says it continues to evaluate all measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the correctional system.
