Transcript
The coronavirus crisis is having a particularly dangerous impact on prison systems.
The Bureau of Prisons made an announcement that beginning Wednesday federal prisons will be under a heightened state of lockdown as it fights the spread of the disease.
Federal prison inmates will have to remain in their cells for two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
There is also a ban on visitations right now.
Certain programs for mental health treatment and education will still be allowed.
Meanwhile prisoners in Washington DC and Texas are suing their correctional systems for better access to soap and paper towels.
Some inmates reported having to use the same towel to bathe, dry their hands and clean their cells.
At the Cook County jail in Chicago, dozens of inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
It’s the largest single site jail in the country and the rise in cases means it could become a hot spot for the disease.
Posted – 4.1.20