Global News has learned 21 inmates serving intermittent sentences in Manitoba have been granted temporary absences, meaning they don’t need to return on weekends to serve their time.
The province says it’s to allow for physical distancing and reduce the number of people entering the facilities, in order to stem the spread of COVID-19.
However, it adds individuals are expected to stay in their homes for the entire weekend. It adds plans are in place at each facility to isolate and care for people should it be required, and decisions on when to test someone for COVID-19 are made by health-care providers at the centre. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] Bail hearings and custody issues are being