New corrections ombuds report outlines ways to protect inmates from Covid-19

A new report released Friday by the Office of the Corrections Ombuds outlines immediate action steps “necessary to protect both the medical and mental health” of Washington state inmates.

As of Aug. 6, 352 prison inmates and 134 corrections staff have tested positive for coronavirus in Washington state. At least three people — two inmates and one correctional officer — connected to state prisons, died after catching coronavirus.

The report was a result of a workgroup, put together by the ombuds office, to asses the Department of Corrections' Covid-19 response. This group included volunteers with a healthcare background or knowledge. The Stafford Creek chapter of the Black Prisoners Caucus also provided input.

“DOC is presently dealing with ongoing outbreaks at several facilities and has experienced at least one mass disturbance by incarcerated persons and several protests by loved ones on the outside – and the pandemic is still far from over,” the report states.

Recommendations included in the report are:

• An assessment to “accurately determine” the maximum number of inmates per facility that would allow for adequate social and physical distancing. Once this report is created, state leaders should consider taking action that allows for additional releases to meet these numbers, according to the ombuds report.
• Reopening visitation as soon as possible, due to the emotional benefit this could have for inmates. Outdoor visitation and socially-distanced indoor visits with screening and PPE requirements for visitors were two suggestions.
• Testing of staff when there’s a reported increase in Covid-19 cases in the area surrounding a prison. This action could prevent coronavirus from moving into a prison from the outside, the report states.
• A minimum of one shower every two days, with the goal of daily showers. The report says that even though corrections leadership made the decision to limit the bathing of some inmates, “inadequate cleaning allows accumulation of infectious material on the person’s body, which is then shed onto surfaces and potentially in the air …”