U.S. prisoners will be on another level of lockdown in order to slow the spread of coronavirus inside the nation’s jails.
Inmates will be kept inside their assigned cells for the next 14 days in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, according to TMZ.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons announced Tuesday night its new guideline will go into effect starting today. Calling for all inmates in every prison across the nation to be secured in their assigned cells/quarters to pump the breaks on the spread of COVID-19.
After 14 days, if BOP deems it necessary, officials can choose to extend the lockdown for a longer period of time. BOP will also work with U.S. Marshals to “significantly decrease incoming movement” to its prisons. In other words, there won’t be too many inmates coming in.
It’s a trend we’re seeing in multiple U.S. cities where law enforcement agencies are issuing citations and court summons for lesser crimes. We’ve also seen relaxed parking enforcement in major cities.
Even with these efforts, BOP also says — to the extent practicable — inmates will still have access to programs and services offered under normal operating procedures, such as mental health treatment and education.
The new directive follows an emergency-like situation as described by the chief doctor at New York City’s biggest jail, Rikers Island. The doctor told the Washington Post a “public health disaster (is) unfolding before our eyes” … and just one day after California announced it will be releasing 3,500 inmates early as officials fear overcrowding could spark an outbreak of the deadly disease.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on officials’ plans to combat the coronavirus spread in prisons and keep prisoners safe? Let us know.
