US prisons biggest source of corona cluster infection in America

The number of infected inmates of prisons and staff in the United States is quickly surpassing infections in senior centers and cruise ships, reducing jails to become the biggest source of cluster infection in the country.

According to US media, the Cook County Jail in Chicago has reported the infection of 304 inmates and 213 prison staff, and the number is expected to rise as more than 4,500 inmates in the prison are yet to be tested.

The prison in Jackson City, Michigan reported nearly 200 confirmed cases, and cluster infections also took place in Illinois and North Carolina prisons.

In the worst-hit New York State, as of April 8, a total of 288 inmates, 488 prison guards and 78 prison health workers have contracted the virus.

In the California prison system, the number of inmates infected with COVID-19 grew by more than seven times in less than a week. As of 8 April, at least 29 prisoners and more than 60 staff had been confirmed infected.

About 300 inmates at Chicago jail test positive for coronavirus

Almost 300 inmates at a Chicago prison have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Analysis of current data shows that at least 1,300 people have contracted the virus and 32 people have died in the US prison system. Since prisons in some states have not published their test results, the current figures could be far from telling the truth. The structure and function of prisons made it difficult for epidemic prevention.

According to the National Public Radio, in New York State prisons, the passageways are usually just 0.6 meter wide, which makes social distancing impossible. The acute shortage of protective equipment also forced inmates to resort to primitive methods such as wrapping phone with a sock or spraying diluted bleach into their nose.

The Cable News Network (CNN) also pointed out in its report that although some measures, such as separate confinement, eating in cell and restricting outdoor activities, have been taken, the inmates still have to share bathrooms, which puts them at a great risk of cross infection. In a recent report, CNN said that prisons across the country are turning into "petri dishes" for the novel coronavirus.

According to media reports, there have been a number of deaths in the U.S. prison system. For example, five inmates at a prison in Oakdale, near New Orleans, have died from COVID-19.

Serious security incidents have also occurred in some prisons as the fear has escalated. In Washington State and Kansas, inmates have broken windows, vandalized fire extinguishers, set fires and even smashed offices.

Some prisoners' families, angry at the prison's failure to control the outbreak, have also rallied outside the facilities, calling for more medical care and supplies.

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US prison officials have thwarted a prison riot triggered by a growing fear among inmates over the spreading of the deadly novel coronavirus.

To cope with the tension, many prison officers have to work over time. Many of the positions are working 12-hour double shifts and some even have to work 40 hours straight. The immense pressure has led to the suicide of two prison officers in California.

Despite President Trump's clear opposition, many states, including California, New York, Ohio and Texas, are preparing to release some prisoners. Those released early are mainly non-violent offenders, such as burglars, financial fraudsters and drug dealers, at the end of their prison terms. Elderly inmates with major underlying illnesses, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, will also be released as they are very vulnerable to the COVID-19.

The state of California said it would release 3,500 non-violent offenders with 60 days remaining in their terms, on top of the 1,300 already released. New York City mayor Bill de Blasio also said he would release 300 elderly non-violent offenders.

Although officials have repeatedly said the prisoners would be carefully screened and their physical condition would be thoroughly tested, the public remains deeply concerned as to how this will affect the epidemic control and public security in the country.

(Source: Reuters) 

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