(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Corrections

Visitor restrictions lifted at Sask. Pen

Jul 16, 2020 | 5:00 PM

After a four-month lockdown, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has now announced that inmate visits and programming will begin to gradually resume across the country.

Individuals with friends or family at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary can resume their visits on Saturday, July 18.

As a preventative measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visits to the prison were suspended since March 13, as well as in-person programming, temporary absences (unless medically necessary) and international transfers.

According to a statement Thursday from CSC, a number of infection prevention measures will be in place for inmate visits including active screening, a temperature check, and visitors will also be required to wash their hands before entry, wear a mask and practicing physical distancing at all times.

“Maintaining the health and safety of inmates, staff and the public remains our top priority,” CSC Commissioner Ann Kelly said in a statement. “We are grateful for everyone’s cooperation and efforts to prevent the spread of the virus in our institutions and look forward to carefully and gradually resuming visits, which are so important for inmates and their families.”

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Anyone wanting to visit a federal inmate, must book at least 48 hours in advance and there are limitations on the number of people permitted, and the duration of visits. More information about the protocols can be found on the CSC website.

In addition to the inmate visits being restored, elders and chaplains have started returning to sites to support inmates. Rev. Charles Kahumbu has been meeting with inmates at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary since late last week. He explained all inmates have “broken hearts” and tend to act out in negative ways when dealing with feelings of stress and loneliness.

“So it’s very important to be with them, to visit with them, and to listen to them,” he said.

Kahumbu acknowledged he cannot provide solutions to every inmate who seeks his help, but added he can at least for now provide them with confidence to begin the healing process, and most importantly provide them with someone to talk to.

The Correctional Service of Canada has indicated these are the first steps and will continue to monitor this evolving situation, and adjust measures and operations as needed, based on the latest public health evidence.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell