By Canadian Press

Researchers flag increase in COVID-19 cases in Canadian prisons, jails

Jan 11, 2021 | 12:51 PM

OTTAWA — Rights advocates and researchers are sounding an alarm about COVID-19 cases in Canadian prisons and jails, saying the numbers in recent weeks have surpassed the total during the first nine months of the pandemic.

The researchers say that from March to the end of November, there were 1,864 reported novel coronavirus cases among prisoners and jail staff in Canada, more than half of which were in October and November. 

Since Dec. 1, there have been over 1,962 cases.

The findings emerge through the Prison Pandemic Partnership, which brings together academics who study corrections and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

They are calling on provincial, territorial and federal governments to take bolder steps to protect people in correctional institutions.

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Abby Deshman, director of the criminal justice program at the civil liberties association, cites concerns that some inmates do not have adequate access to masks or cleaning and hygiene supplies.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press