ALABAMA, USA — As of 5 p.m., April 1, 2020, the ADOC does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their inmate population.
On March 30, the ADOC verified that a staff member who works at Staton Correctional Facility has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual is now self-quarantining for a 14-day period.
This is the second positive COVID-19 test among ADOC’s workforce since the onset of the outbreak, the first of which occurred at St. Clair Correctional Facility and was verified on March 20.
Some of their updates/new procedures are included below:
NEW ADOC FACE MASK PRODUCTION PROGRAM
- ADOC plants at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women and Holman Correctional Facility have been modified to enable the production of face masks. Last week, inmates were trained on how to sew protective masks, and production was initiated this week.
- The ADOC estimates that inmates working at these plants will be able to produce between 2,000 and 2,500 masks per day, which subsequently will be distributed across the correctional system for use.
- The ADOC continues to source N95 masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, and other necessary PPE from public and private entities for healthcare staff who interact directly with inmates in infirmaries.
NEW PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IN PLACE
- The ADOC has established quarantine/isolation areas for inmates who exhibit symptoms of and are being tested for COVID-19 at each of its facilities.
- The ADOC continues to test inmates exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 upon a physician’s order and approval (all returned tests have been negative to-date).
- Additional supplies of hand sanitizer have been distributed to all correctional facilities and placed at key locations including points of entry into the facility and staffing posts.
- Inmates are being provided additional hygiene products as needed, including bar soap.
- In addition to temperature checks, they are enhancing screening processes by developing verbal screening measures recommended by the CDC for all those who attempt to enter our facilities.
- Only mission-critical outside contractors will be permitted on ADOC premises (following screening protocols) to conduct vital repairs and maintenance.
- All routine internal transfers have been suspended and protocols are under development for those who are considered exceptions due to important security and healthcare concerns.
- The ADOC’s 30-day moratorium on new intakes continues – however, during this time, the Department will continue to receive inmates with severe medical or mental health conditions, subject to review by the Department’s Office of Health Services. Additional health screenings will be implemented at the facility level to ensure any intake is not symptomatic prior to entry into facilities
- An employee call-in program has been established to closely monitor absenteeism and security staffing levels at each facility.
- In addition to posting flyers outlining CDC-recommended hygiene and safety protocols for inmates in facilities, an ADOC-specific educational handout on COVID-19 has been developed for all inmates and will be distributed throughout the correctional system this week.
- All laundry fees at community-based facilities have been waived; all charges since March 13 will be credited back to inmates.
- The ADOC has cancelled the April 24 on-site recruitment event at Fountain Correctional Facility – future onsite recruitment events will be assessed as necessary
- The ADOC is temporarily shifting to virtual recruiting, and actively will be hiring Basic Correctional Officers (BCO).
- The Correctional Officer Trainee (COT) APOTSC Academy scheduled for May 4 has been cancelled – trainees will attend the next COT Academy slated for July 20.
- ADOC Academy operations have been suspended until April 20.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES UNDER REVIEW / IN PROGRESS
- The ADOC is exploring the possibility of contract and community partnerships with various groups in order to obtain additional hygiene supplies that could be distributed to inmate population – these discussions currently are in progress.
- The ADOC is investigating options to purchase hand-washing stations for staff, which would be installed at strategic locations throughout correctional facilities.
- Any inoperable sinks and toilets across the correctional system are in the process of being repaired.
IN OTHER NEWS:
