Inmates getting temporary releases

Correctional facilities taking steps to help stop spread of coronavirus

Inmates serving weekend sentences are getting a bit of a break as P.E.I.’s correctional facilities release them on temporary absences.

A spokeswoman for the Justice Department confirmed the temporary absences are being issued and said the releases affect 25 people who are serving intermittent sentences as the province continues to take steps to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The sentences will resume at a later date.

Intermittent sentences allow people to serve a sentence a few days at a time and are often used to allow them to continue to work or meet family obligations.

Only people who receive sentences of 90 days or less are eligible for intermittent sentences.

Earlier this week, Chief Judge Nancy Orr refused to give intermittent sentences in two cases out of concern for the potential spread of the coronavirus.

As of Thursday, the spokeswoman said there were 101 inmates in provincial custody who have been sentenced or remanded and department staff are reviewing eligible sentenced inmates for possible temporary absences.

The courts are also changing in response to the coronavirus and are limiting access, including adjourning non-essential matters.

Courthouses in Charlottetown and Summerside remain open for filing documents, but filing by fax is being encouraged. Urgent and emergency matters will still be heard in a manner determined by the court.