Federal prisoners allowed visitors after four-month COVID-19 ban

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OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — After more than four months, prisoners in Canada’s federal institutions will be allowed visitors.

The Correctional Service of Canada announced Thursday that visits will resume with COVID-19 prevention protocols in place.

Mission Institution, the site of one of the worst virus outbreaks at a federal prison, reopened Thursday.

That institution recorded 120 positive cases among inmates, and one person died.

Overall, 360 prisoners in Canada tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and two died. As of Thursday, only one active case of the novel coronavirus remained among federal prisoners, at a facility in Quebec.

Visits are expected to resume at all prisons by Monday. New rules for visits include scheduling them 48 hours in advance. The number of visitors allowed will be limited. Visitors will have their temperatures checked before entering and will be required to wear masks and maintain physical distance once inside.

According to CSC, testing is available to any inmate who comes into contact with someone showing symptoms, or who has tested positive for the virus.

“CSC continues to expand its testing of employees, offenders and their contacts as part of a comprehensive testing strategy. This includes more testing in areas with higher levels of community transmission. Testing is offered to all inmates who have come in contact with a symptomatic or positive individual,” says a statement.

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