Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Jill Sperling

COVID-19

Union wants BC Corrections to do more to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in correctional facilities

Apr 3, 2020 | 5:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — BC Corrections is responding to COVID-19 by implementing the provincial health officer’s recommendations across all correctional facilities.

However, the president of the union representing prison employees says there were concerns prior to the declaration of the pandemic.

BC Corrections has increased cleaning in its facilities and has been working to screen people coming into custody and identify those who may be showing signs of illness.

Prior to these measures being taken, the BC Government and Service Employees Union (BCGEU) had voiced concerns to the BC Corrections branch.

“We started working with the corrections branch right from the get-go, really pushing to ensure that the PHO’s orders around safe distancing were being followed,” said BCGEU President Stephanie Smith. “Am I satisfied? I think we still have some questions. We are hearing from members that that is maybe not happening as much as it should be. We know it’s a difficult environment, but it’s not impossible.”

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BC Corrections says it is conducting risk assessments on non-violent inmates for early release.

This measure is among many meant to keep both employees and individuals in custody safe.

On April 1, an inmate at Okanagan Correctional Centre tested positive for COVID-19. As soon as the person had symptoms they were placed into isolation.

“We want to see the branch kick it into high gear,” Smith said. “What is the outbreak protocol? What are they going to be doing working with us and our membership to ensure that there isn’t further spread of the infection? We know that quarantining is, again, difficult, but it is not impossible and again these are the sorts of things that we need to be working collaboratively together on.”