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 suit alleges the inmate contracted COVID-19 because of poor practices or indifference at the jail
After getting 155,730 applications from eligible essential workers, including LEOs, FFs, EMS providers and COs, lawmakers realized they would have to put more money in or slash benefits
12 to 14 new cells will be used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections, or for any other medical reason requiring an inmate to be isolated
In Washington, 4.5% of the prison workforce quit over the mandate; the same would be catastrophic in California, CDCR says
“There are dozens of reasons to leave and very few to stay,” said Brian Dawe of One Voice United
As of Wednesday, about 58 unvaccinated correction officers had been suspended without pay
Benny Boscio joins the city’s two other correction union presidents in getting the jab
“We would like to see the [BOP] act as if the employees are much more than disposable,” said union president Michael Meserve
Bracing for a staff shortage, the governor issued an order activating National Guard personnel on Oct. 12
Union officials are pointing out the “sharp contrast” between “a policy set to fire you” and one offering inmates time off sentences
In the latest court reversal, officers who work in and around prison health care facilities must now get the vaccine
“Alaska’s law enforcement community invites you to consider the 49th state where we back the blue,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said
“The state is using valuable resources to bring taxpayer-funded Happy Meals into facilities,” said NYSCOPBA President Michael B. Powers
Rikers Island employees will be subject to the mandate on Dec. 1
Sheriff Chris Nanos believes low staff vaccination is the primary driver of infection within the jail he oversees
The department received $615K in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to pay for the program
Gov. Charlie Baker’s mandate went into effect Sunday
The case comes after the Massachusetts State Police unsuccessfully sued Gov. Charlie Baker
The temporary restraining order shields COs from discipline while the court weighs the injunction
The numbers are dispelling the notion of a mass exodus of state employees unwilling to get their shots, but contingency plans are still in place
Staff morale is at a 30-year low, and even the sheriff is working shifts to keep the jail running
At least four corrections officers, as well as several inmates, had died of COVID during earlier waves
Meanwhile, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea has said he would support a mandate
The officers say that working 16-hour shifts for days on end is as unsafe as it is unsustainable
The officer received a religious exemption but now feels his future with the department is in jeopardy
The ACLU and state public defender agency had argued that sheriffs had failed to implement adequate inmate testing, among other precautions
The order covers all 34 of California’s prisons, but allows for religious and medical exemptions
The state will be using funds made available by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide the bonus
A federal court-appointed receiver asked a judge to impose the mandate Friday, arguing that voluntary vaccination programs of staff have failed
The warden’s “resignation is the latest installment of proof that the county jail is off-the-rails,” said the COs’ union president
The largest state employee union pushed back on “any effort to define (its members) as part of the problem rather than recognizing their dedication”
The sheriff says he most likely contracted the virus while on duty
One jail watchdog called it “a complete breakdown in the operation of the jails”
