Health & Fitness
Coronavirus Case Spike Reported In RI Prisons
More than 300 cases were reported in the maximum security facility.
CRANSTON, RI — Several hundred cases of the coronavirus were reported in Rhode Island's prisons over the last month, according to the latest data from the state's department of corrections. The maximum security facility saw the highest number of infections, with more than 300 inmates testing positive.
Patricia A. Coyne-Fague, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, said the spike lines up with the spike in cases statewide.
"Like the rest of the state, we are also experiencing a spike of COVID-19 cases inside our facilities, although in comparison with other congregate settings and other DOCs across the country, I am thankful that our staff have kept the cases very manageable," she said in a statement. "I could not be prouder of our staff, who everyday go above and beyond to keep our facilities as safe as possible."
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According to the director, safety precautions have been implemented in all facilities to help prevent the spread of the virus in both inmates and staff. While the buildings are not in full lockdown, foot traffic is restricted and schedules modified to restrict movement. Groups are smaller for trips outside cells, and out-of-cell time is limited to ensure everyone can have a chance to rotate through, she said.
If a patient tests positive for coronavirus, they are immediately isolated in a special housing unit. Positive inmates are monitored by medical staff and kept further away from others if they develop symptoms. In addition, surveillance testing is being conducted weekly, the statement said.
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"Our goal is to protect everyone by performing surveillance testing and using medical isolation for those who test positive, and place those who had contact with positive inmates in quarantine," the statement continued.
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