Concern Rises for Inmates in Connecticut Prisons as COVID-19 Spreads

 Posted on April 15, 2020 in Criminal Defense

The United States has quickly become the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of cases surpassing even China, the country where the virus originated. As of April 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were more than 600,000 cases in the U.S., with more than 24,000 related deaths. Because of the ability of the virus to spread so rapidly, states have been doing what they can to curb the spread. Recently, more individuals have become concerned with the prison population and how states are taking measures to protect inmates.

Problems With Prisons and COVID-19

The CDC has issued certain guidelines for people to follow to decrease their risk of contracting COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. These guidelines include social distancing, meaning keeping a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others, wearing cloth masks to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading, and frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap. In prison, many of these guidelines are impossible to adhere to. Because of this, the number of inmates and correctional workers who have tested positive for the virus is increasing. In Connecticut, there are currently 166 inmates and 104 staff members who have tested positive for the virus.

Connecticut Still Has No Official Plans for Inmate Release

In light of this, the state of Connecticut has still not released an official plan for inmate release. However, some inmates have been released from custody, according to information from Rollin Cook, the Department of Corrections commissioner. Cook stated that the inmate population in Connecticut has dipped below 12,000, the first time it has done so in 25 years. He also stated that the releases have not been mass releases, but releases have been limited to inmates who are elderly or have medical conditions that cause them to be considered high risk.

A Hartford, CT Criminal Defense Attorney May Be Able to Help

If you have a loved one who is currently serving a prison sentence, you may be able to petition to have them released. Typically, this type of release applies for low-level and/or nonviolent offenses. At the Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we can help you determine whether you can petition for the release of your loved one to ensure their safety. If you have any questions, schedule a free consultation by calling our Connecticut criminal defense lawyer at 860-290-8690.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

https://ctmirror.org/2020/04/13/first-incarcerated-person-dies-as-covid-19-spikes-behind-bars/

https://ctmirror.org/2020/03/23/the-doc-with-a-first-covid-19-case-still-hasnt-announced-a-plan-for-inmate-release/

https://www.wnpr.org/post/covid-19-grows-state-says-connecticut-s-prison-population-declines