The union of federal correctional officers says four institutions in Quebec are “very close” to experiencing a staff shortage, as more and more employees are receiving positive COVID-19 test results.
Mario Guilmette, vice-president for Quebec of the Union of correctional officers of Canada, indicated that the Correctional Service was working on a protocol to be put in place in federal penitentiaries in Quebec in the event of a staff shortage.
Under this protocol, workers who are considered to be “close contacts” of a positive person could be called upon to return to duty after self-isolation for eight days rather than 10.
Correctional Service Canada spokesperson Marie Pier Lécuyer said on Wednesday 322 employees across the country tested positive; they were 248 a week ago.
The Correctional Service also reported in a press release Thursday of an outbreak at the Federal Training Center in Laval. In this minimum and medium security establishment, 14 inmates and 19 employees are infected with the coronavirus, it is said.
Visits in person are also temporarily suspended at this establishment with a total capacity of 454 places. The Correctional Service ensures that 90.3% of inmates in Laval are fully vaccinated and 92.2% have received at least one dose.
Four other “at risk” establishments
The union also claims that four federal institutions in Quebec are currently at risk of shortage of personnel: La Macaza Institution, Donnacona Institution, Joliette Institution for Women and the Regional Reception Center in Sainte-Anne-des -Plains.
Ms. Lécuyer ensures that the staffing levels in federal establishments in Quebec are currently “adequate” to ensure the safety of activities.
According to her, the Correctional Service did not recall any employee who tested positive to work until he had fully recovered. However, the agency has implemented a protocol to remind employees if necessary in order to maintain “essential public security services”, explains Ms. Lécuyer.