The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll on the US prison system, with infection rates significantly higher than the general population. One in five state and federal prisoners has tested positive for the virus, a rate more than four times the national average. In some states, the infection rate climbs to over 50%, according to data collected by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project.
As the pandemic continues, and with the rollout of vaccines underway, at least 275,000 prisoners have been infected, and over 1,700 have died. The spread of the virus shows no sign of abating, with new cases reaching their highest levels since testing began in the spring. Experts warn this number is likely a significant undercount, as many prisons still lack adequate testing and treatment resources.
The rollout of vaccines presents a complex ethical and logistical challenge. While prisoners are a vulnerable population, unable to social distance and reliant on the state for their safety, some argue they should not be prioritized over the general public.
alt text: Donte Westmoreland, a former inmate, describes his experience with COVID-19 in prison.
Donte Westmoreland, a recently released inmate from Lansing Correctional Facility in Kansas, contracted the virus while serving time for a marijuana charge. Kansas has the third-highest prison infection rate, with over 5,100 cases. Westmoreland described living in an open dorm with over 100 infected men, witnessing firsthand the severity of the virus and the lack of adequate care.
Similar stories emerge from Arkansas, which has the second-highest prison infection rate. Derick Coley, a 29-year-old inmate, died from COVID-19 after weeks of delayed communication and inadequate medical attention. His death left his 9-year-old daughter without a father.
The stark reality is that nearly every prison system in the US has infection rates far exceeding those of the surrounding communities. The federal Bureau of Prisons reports one in five inmates infected, while 24 state prison systems report even higher rates. Prison staff are also disproportionately affected, with one in five infected nationwide.
alt text: Protesters gather outside San Quentin State Prison to advocate for inmate safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calculating accurate infection rates is challenging, as not all states publicly release testing data. States with comprehensive testing programs may appear to have higher rates than those with limited testing. Furthermore, prison populations have decreased since the pandemic began, making current rates a conservative estimate.
Despite the urgent need, prioritizing prisoners for vaccination has faced resistance. Colorado Governor Jared Polis initially placed prisoners ahead of the general public but faced public backlash and revised the plan. Several states have yet to include prisoners or corrections staff in their vaccination plans, while others have placed them in later phases.
The racial disparities inherent in the US criminal justice system exacerbate the impact of the pandemic on communities of color. Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of white Americans and are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19, experiencing higher infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates.
Experts and organizations are calling for urgent action to address the crisis. The Council on Criminal Justice recommends reducing prison populations, improving communication with public health departments, and enhancing data collection and reporting.
Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate healthcare within prisons contribute to the rapid spread of the virus. Dormitory-style housing and communal spaces make quarantining virtually impossible. The already compromised health of many inmates further increases their vulnerability.
Early in the pandemic, experts advocated for widespread prison releases to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, implementation has been slow and inconsistent. Compassionate release applications have been largely denied at the federal level, and state-level release programs have faced funding and logistical challenges.
Even with release programs, the interconnectedness of prisons and surrounding communities poses a continuous risk. Corrections officers and other staff moving in and out of facilities contribute to the spread of the virus.
As the pandemic rages on, particularly during the winter months, controlling the virus within prisons is crucial for controlling it in the broader population. Experts emphasize that ignoring the crisis within correctional facilities will hinder overall efforts to curb the pandemic. Protecting the health and safety of incarcerated individuals, a vulnerable population under the care of the state, is essential for the well-being of the entire nation.
