The inmates of Muskoka’s two federal prisons are getting the opportunity for a few more nicotine breaks before a planned smoking ban takes effect.

A total ban on smoking, scheduled to start Wednesday, April 30 at all federal correctional facilities, has been postponed and authorities have decided on a staggered implementation, said Annette Allen, deputy warden at Fenbrook medium security institution in Gravenhurst.

“It’s in order to allow the region as a whole to judge any potential reaction to the implementation of the ban,” she said.

The ban began May 5 for inmates in maximum security, and will be implemented May 20 for medium security institutions and June 2 for minimum security.

The plan for Fenbrook includes smoking cessation programs for the prison population and smoking cessation services to staff as well.

“We’re also monitoring the environment for any inclination that there would be a reaction,” she said.

Dave Whitton, deputy warden at Beaver Creek minimum security institution, said the health unit has visited the prison to talk about stopping strategies.

“It was very well received. We had 40-plus men attend to learn.”

A continuing review of the program for the prisons will go on right to implementation day.