Six positive tests for COVID-19 in Ontario jails leads to 2,000 inmates being released early

According to the province of Ontario, more than 2,300 inmates have been released from correctional facilities

Toronto South Detention Centre is one of the correctional facilities with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Photo Courtesy: Dave Abel/Toronto Sun

Since Ontario started implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 back in March, the province and federal prison system chose to reduce the number of inmates in custody.

According to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the total population of inmates has declined from 8,344 to 6,025.

Some measures the province is implementing includes suspending personal visits, giving temporary absence passes to intermittent offenders, and allowing electronic patrol hearings.

The ministry says ten of the “low risk” offenders whose sentences are coming to an end, have been released from custody under temporary passes since April 2.

However, the ministry said “those inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes, such as violent crimes or crimes involving firearm, would not be considered for early release.”

According to Ontario, there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 inside Ontario jails. Three of those testing positives are located in the Toronto South Detention Centre, one in Monteith Correctional Complex, one staff member at Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, and one staff member at Toronto South.

Anyone who is admitted to the any of the province’s correctional facilities will be subjected to screening measures for respiratory illness in keeping with guidance from public health officials, the ministry says.

Written By: Farah Chandani