Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted correctional facilities, requiring significant adaptations to protect the health of inmates, staff, and visitors. This section offers articles that examine the response to the COVID-19 pandemic within correctional systems, including containment strategies, vaccination efforts, and the long-term implications for prison health care. Understanding the effects of COVID-19 on correctional operations is essential for professionals navigating this ongoing public health challenge. For related information, explore resources on Correctional Healthcare.
The initial round of termination letters was sent Tuesday; impacted officers now have 10 days to appeal
The mayor is confident a wave of officers will comply by the Dec. 1 deadline; the union president sees a staffing catastrophe in the making
Those given temporary stays may ultimately have their sentences revised or waived
Sheriff Jack Campbell said about 20 nonviolent offenders have been identified as candidates for release due to COVID-19 concerns, but only if necessary
All three products, which are in the early stages of being developed, will be produced by inmates at various facilities
In the last week, 17 correctional employees and 21 people in custody at Rikers and city jails had tested positive for the coronavirus
Sgt. Benny Boscio posted the six-minute video after leaving the West Facility – the communicable disease unit – on Rikers Island
In addition to the three inmates who tested positive, three other Lee State inmates are “under observation for exhibiting flu-like symptoms”
The inmate, who is housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, complained of chest pains a few days after he arrived at the facility
There have been no reports of inmates testing positive for COVID-19, but prisoners and their families are still fearful
After the positive result, 18 inmates were quarantined and 11 medical staffers were sent home
Officials ordered the release of non-violent and short-term inmates to combat the looming threat of COVID-19 in jails
The coronavirus pandemic is starting to take its toll on the men and women on the front lines
While visitations have been cut off to Central Texas jails, few test kits are available to inmates and some jails don’t have kits at all
The ACLU called for the release of inmates whose sentences would be completed within the next two years and who may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19
Seven other COs were told to self-quarantine and some inmates are being monitored by medical staff at the jail
Ongoing issues and concerns surrounding the risk COVID-19 poses in correctional facilities
Hours after the CO tested positive, the first Rikers Island inmate also tested positive for the novel coronavirus
There are no suspected cases of COVID-19 in Missouri prisons, but each warden has been asked to identify specific wings or cells to use to prepare for the worst
The plan was put in place to ensure approved personal protective equipment is worn by staff and proper sanitation is enforced at every facility
The call comes three days after a staff member of the Colorado Public Defender’s Office tested positive for COVID-19
One employee works at the Detroit Detention Center and the other works at the Jackson County Probation Office
Police are incarcerating fewer people, prosecutors are letting non-violent offenders out early and judges are finding alternatives to jail sentences
As social distancing is near impossible in correctional facilities, here are five steps to preventing COVID-19 in your jail or prison
The jail, which has always had infectious disease screening, is doubling their efforts in case of a coronavirus outbreak
Medical staff at the jail will be screening those arrested for symptoms of the novel coronavirus
There are three things you should be doing in your facility every day
A male 56-year-old investigator died Sunday, which marks the first NYC worker to be killed by the novel coronavirus
Sheriffs said they’re monitoring the situation and taking preliminary precautions, but that they still remain largely in wait-and-see mode
An inmate advocate tweeted that two buildings are under lockdown due to some inmates experiencing “flu-like symptoms”
Staff ID’d as having initial contact have been advised to stay home and monitor themselves for any signs or symptoms
Thirty-eight inmates are being transferred out of jail and either sent to prison or released into the community
Inmates at all 122 federal correctional facilities across the country will no longer be allowed visits from family, friends or attorneys for a month
