In the past few months, COVID-19 has continued to cause prison systems across the country to rethink the fundamentals of how they incarcerate individuals and how to protect not only the public but inmates and staff. This resource portal serves to provide a broad overview of COVID-19’s impact on every prison system across the country.
This COVID-19 in prison resource portal is divided by prison system. To obtain materials concerning a specific prison system, please either use our hyperlinked Table of Contents or scroll down to the prison system in question. Where possible, we at the Zoukis Consulting Group have embedded applicable COVID-19 resources (primarily in PDF format) into the page.
If you are a journalist covering COVID-19’s impact on American corrections and need a quote or analysis, please call Chris Zoukis at 843-620-1100 or email him at [email protected].
If you have a loved one in prison and would like to know the options for an early release due to the COVID-19 crisis, please email [email protected]. Please also listen to the below podcast which discusses our firm’s approach and process to achieving clients’ early release due to COVID-19 concerns.
Handling Coronavirus in Federal Prison: What’s the Action Plan?
In recent weeks, the spread of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has taken the nation by storm.
As you already know, this virus is easily spread through human to human contact. Unfortunately, while incarcerated, social distancing is impossible, most common sanitizing products are banned, and healthcare is often unreliable.
This means that dozens of prisons across the country will experience internal outbreaks. Will someone you know be affected?
If you are going to prison or have a loved one who is incarcerated, now more than ever, you need to know your rights.
On this page, we’ll cover what action each state’s prison system – and the Federal Bureau of Prisons – are taking to protect inmates housed in their facilities. Plus, we’ll help you understand what you can do to help yourself or someone you care about, who is currently incarcerated.
Keep reading for all the up-to-date information you’ll need.
Coronavirus in Prisons: What We Know
While in prison, inmates live close to one another.
Depending on which facility they are housed in, inmates are often required to share sleeping space, a writing desk and chair, lockers, and toilets with anywhere between 1 and 60 other detainees. This leaves little space for proper social distancing practices or quarantine.
Other areas like common showers and gyms are also used by hundreds of inmates each day, making hygiene and sanitation a major challenge at all times.
Furthermore, inmates who become ill are often grouped together. While this strategy has proven effective when it comes to other illnesses, like influenza, so far, it has proven insufficient for stopping the spread of Coronavirus. In fact, as of May 3, 2020, the BOP reports that 1,926 federal inmates and 350 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 nationwide, with 38 inmate fatalities.
This number is expected to rise steadily.
One of the most troubling parts of contracting Coronavirus inside a prison is the lack of adequate and immediate healthcare. If an inmate develops a high fever or symptoms that their prison’s Health Services Unit cannot treat, they will be transferred to a local hospital.
While family members will most likely be notified of this relocation, they won’t be allowed to visit their loved one who has been hospitalized. And, during their stay in an outside healthcare facility, inmates won’t have access to the Corrlinks email service, inmate telephone systems, or postal mail.
Federal Bureau of Prisons COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 38 (5/3)
Inmate Positives: 1,926 (5/3)
Inmates Recovered: 515 (5/3)
Staff Deaths: 0 (5/3)
Staff Positives: 350 (5/3)
Staff Recovered: 148 (5/3)
Inmates Released to Home Confinement: 1,972 (5/3)(since 3/26)
Total Inmate Population: 170,435 (4/30)
- 141,933 federal inmates in custody (4/30)
- 17,220 federal inmates in privately managed facilities (4/30)
- 11,282 federal inmates in other types of facilities (4/30)
Total Staff Population: 36,697/28,044¹ (4/25)
Notes: ¹BOP indicates 36,697 staff in reported gender data but also reports 28,044 staff in ethnicity/race data as of April 25, 2020.
Federal Prison COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Federal Bureau of Prisons dashboard for COVID-19 data.
This interactive map shows the data on federal inmates and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who have died from it.
What Are the CARES Act and Senate Bill 3579?
Introduced during March 2020, Senate Bill 3579 would require the release of certain individuals currently being held in federal custody, to lessen their risk of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This bill proposes the move of some prisoners to home confinement or house arrest in response to the current national health emergency. Currently, the BOP limits the use of home confinement to 10 percent of an inmate’s sentence or six months, whichever is shorter.
Senate Bill 3579 would allow that time period to be expanded under the Attorney General’s authority.
It is also important to note that this bill gives preference to federal prisoners who are currently pregnant, age 50 or older, have specific underlying medical conditions, or have 12 months or less to serve. These inmates would be placed in community supervision that allows for adequate social distancing, or home confinement.
However, any inmate found likely to pose a threat of injury or violence by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the Director of U.S. Marshals Service would be disqualified.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, was a joint piece of legislation supporting this senate bill. It also states that home confinement may be used if it is found that emergency conditions will affect the functioning of the BOP. The CARES Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020.
However, this authority is limited to “the covered emergency period.” The emergency period is defined as starting with the President’s declaration of a national emergency due to COVID-19. And, it expires 30 days after the declaration terminates.
Both of these bills sound promising. But there is concern that their language will be used by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to oppose motions for compassionate release based on COVID-19. Compassionate release would end a term of incarceration (modifying it to supervised release), whereas home confinement would result in a continuance of the existing term of imprisonment, just under more comfortable circumstances.
How Will I Be Impacted?
At first glance, these legal measures appear to permit the early release of countless federal inmates in response to COVID-19. However, you’ll have to keep in mind that each release will be individually considered by the BOP.
Anyone seeking release into community supervision will have to meet health and behavioral criteria. And, depending on their individual situation, inmates may or may not be required to file an individual petition for release. They may also need to assert an extraordinary and compelling reason for temporary release.
Other prisoners, whose cases present special circumstances may also qualify. For example, those at the trial-level who have been detained solely because they were previously considered a flight risk might be eligible for pre-trial detention. Inmates over 50 years old, those with a relevant health condition, or who are within 12 months of a scheduled release, may also qualify.
Regardless of age, health, or circumstances, any inmate who is considered a threat to themselves or others will not be granted early release.
These in-prison matters can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re new to the criminal justice system. Those unfamiliar with the red tape, processes, procedures, and endless forms involved, will need the services of an experienced federal prison consultant.
Compassionate Release
Compassionate release is a legal process that may allow some inmates to be released early on the basis of “particularly extraordinary or compelling circumstances which could not reasonably have been foreseen by the court at the time of sentencing.”
This type of release may be called for when circumstances such as terminal illness, advanced age, sickness, debilitation, or family emergencies outweigh the impact of continued imprisonment.
Compassionate release is recognized by 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government. Sadly, it is isn’t commonly used despite its benefits to prisoners, their families, and the criminal justice system.
There are a number of valid reasons for the use of compassionate release. These include the cost of housing, accommodating, and medical care for aging prisoners and those living with limiting disabilities and terminal conditions. Inmates under these special circumstances are the most expensive to house and the least likely to become repeat offenders.
Prisoner rights organizations agree that federal inmates should be released when they are too debilitated to commit further crimes, are so disabled that incarceration in and of itself is no longer necessary, and, frankly, as a mechanism to allow severely disabled inmates to be with their family, whether this is a result of severe disability or the inmate nearing the end of their life.
The prison system is intended to deter crime, adequately punish those who commit crimes, protect the public, and offer rehabilitation to prisoners who will eventually return home. When these objectives are no longer applicable, the only just approach is compassionate release.
Do you or someone you know qualify for compassionate release?
If you think the answer is yes, your best bet is to reach out to a federal prison consultant. These experts can help you navigate the complex prison system, offer guidance on how to survive prison, and offer guidance on your specific case.
Securing an Early Release
Because securing an early release from prison is a technical and complex process, the most important step you can take is hiring professional help. A federal prison consultant will understand the system and work within it to accomplish this. Plus, they’ll be able to advise you on which legal steps to take when, avoiding wasted time and resources.
Considering the current spread of the Coronavirus, you’ll want to act quickly. And, while hiring a federal prison consultant might seem like a big expense, doing so will ensure your loved one has the best possible chance for an early release. Expert assistance is essential to navigating this complex process.
If compassionate release is the best option in your case, our federal prison consultants will speak with you to understand your unique circumstances, research the case details, and draft a quality compassionate release petition. While no one can guarantee any particular outcome, we can simplify the process and help you put your best foot forward.
In the case of COVID-19, an argument will likely be made that other preexisting conditions will lead to extreme illness or death if the virus is contracted. This could include chronic illness affecting the lungs, kidneys, liver, or heart, or even old age, as the virus disproportionately affects those over 65.
However, some cases for compassionate release based on mental wellbeing or family necessity are currently being made. While less traditional and potentially harder to succeed at, these arguments for early release are equally valid.
Your compassionate release petition will also include a release plan. This document outlines where the prisoner will live after release, and how his or her needs, including medical care, will be met. Start considering these factors before hiring help to give yourself a head start on the process.
Once the proper research has been conducted, it’s time to draft and submit a compassionate release petition to prison officials. This step will require approval from the incarcerated individual or their family if they are incapacitated.
After submission, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has 30 days to either approve or deny the petition. If the BOP doesn’t respond within this timeframe, the inmate is permitted to file a petition with their sentencing court. In the case of a successful petition, early release can take place in a matter of days or weeks! And, if denied, your consultant will still have the opportunity to appeal the ruling through the prison’s administrative remedy program, or simply proceed directly to court.
Because there is no firm deadline or requirement for how long this prison review takes (other than the 30 days limitation), you’ll have to be persistent. This is where your hired help can make a huge difference! Having a professional on your side can expedite approval and keep your petition on the warden’s radar. Likewise, developing and filing a comprehensive compassionate release petition can mean the difference between the BOP and, eventually, your sentencing court approving or denying the petition.
It’s also important to keep in mind that each petition will need to be approved by the prison warden, general counsel, the BOP director, and the court. Any of these parties can deny the request at any stage in the process. But even if a BOP official does deny the request, this does not preclude you from going to court. So, once again, you’ll need to stay on top of your case or hire a professional to handle it for you.
Once your petition is approved, a home visit will be conducted by the probation office to evaluate the release plan. This occurs promptly.
If you’ve been watching the news, you already know there’s no time to waste. COVID-19 is surging through many prisons, and medical experts predict that this is only the first wave of infection. If you or a loved one are currently incarcerated, the time to begin your petition for a compassionate release is now!
It can be hard to know who to trust with this lengthy and complex process, and you’re almost guaranteed to struggle if you go it alone. As such, you should hire a consultant or advocate with a positive track record of successful early releases.
Choose a professional firm like the Zoukis Consulting Group. We have a history of compassionate release petitions being granted. Plus, we know the ins and outs of the federal prison system. Put our decades of experience with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to your advantage.
Take the Next Step
Now that you know how Coronavirus is impacting federal prisons and those housed within them, you’re ready to take the next step.
Start by contacting a reputable federal prison consultant to discuss the details of your specific case, and learn about whether Senate Bill 3579 or the CARES Act might help you in securing an early release for a loved one. You should also ask them about options for compassionate release, and different options for community supervision and home confinement.
Don’t forget to compile essential information about release plans, underlying health conditions, and other relevant information so the process can get started promptly.
With the Coronavirus rapidly spreading, the time to act is now. Contact us for a case consultation, and to learn more about these new program statements and federal regulations in response to COVID-19.
Early Release for Federal Prisoners
- BOP Guidance on Early Release to Halfway House
- Home Confinement COVID-19 Update (April 5)
- Attorney General Memorandum (April 3)
- Attorney General Memorandum (March 26)
- Federal Prisoners and COVID-19: Background and Authorities to Grant Release (Congressional Research Report)
Federal Prison COVID-19 Screening Tools
This form is used by federal prison officials to screen new admissions and already admitted inmates to determine if they should be quarantined due to possible COVID-19 exposure or if the inmate is otherwise symptomatic.
This form is used to screen staff who report to work to determine if they will be granted admission to the federal prison.
This short form is used to screen visitors, volunteers, and contractors when entering federal prisons.
Federal Prison COVID-19 Operations Modifications
- BOP Implementing Modified Operations (most recent)
- Bureau of Prisons COVID-19 Action Plan Phase Six (April 14)
- COVID-19 Action Plan- Phase Five (March 31)(Analysis)
- Bureau of Prisons COVID-19 Action Plan Phase Five (March 31)
- Bureau of Prisons Update on COVID-19 (March 24)
- Updates to BOP COVID-19 Action Plan (Inmate Movement)(March 19)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons COVID-19 Action Plan (March 13)
Other Federal Prison COVID-19 Information
FBOP data concerning inmate and staff positives and deaths. Data from April 20, 2020.
Statement from Federal Bureau of Prisons Director concerning COVID-19 pandemic and BOP’s response.
FBOP document addressing purported myths and information believed by inmates and their families.
This memorandum provides additional guidance to Residential Reentry Centers (i.e., halfway houses) in administering religious programming. Specifically, this memorandum addresses how RRCs should manage programs related to Passover and Ramadan.
This memorandum provides additional guidance to Residential Reentry Center (i.e., halfway houses) staff. The guidance includes operation of breathalyzer and drug testing, staff site checks, case management, staffing, restriction of inmate subsistence payments, and modification of inmate placement on home confinement.
Alabama Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1 (5/1)
Inmate Positives: 6 (5/1)
Inmates Tested: 86 (4/30)
Inmate Test Results Pending: 6 (4/30)
Inmates Recovered: 3 (5/1)
Staff Deaths: 0 (5/1)
Staff Positives: 16 (5/1)
- Staff at Major Facilities: 13 (4/30)
- Staff at Community Work Release/Work Centers: 3 (4/30)
Staff Recovered: 4 (5/1)
Previous Staff Positives Returned to Work (see facilities below): 4 (5/1)
- Elmore Prison: 1 (5/1)
- Limestone Prison: 1 (5/1)
- St. Clar Prison: 1 (5/1)
- Staton Prison: 1 (5/1)
ADOC Jurisdictional Population: 28,466 (1/31)¹
ADOC Custody Population: 21,900 (1/31)²
ADOC In-House Population: 21,154 (1/31)³
ADOC In-House Designated Capacity: 12,412 (1/31)
ADOC In-House Overcrowding Percentage: 170.4% (population divided by design capacity)
Notes: ¹ADOC Jurisdictional Population: Defines an inmate sentenced by the court to the Alabama Department of Corrections. ADOC Jurisdictional Population includes all inmates serving time within ADOC facilities/programs, as well as in the custody of other correctional authorities, such as county jails, other State DOCs, Community Correction Programs, Federal Prisons, and Privately Leased Facilities.
²ADOC Custody Population: Defines an inmate where ADOC maintains and/or oversees custody of an inmate sentenced by the court. ADOC Custody Population includes In-House Population plus those housed in other ADOC leased facilities and special programs.
³ADOC In-House Population: Defines an inmate where ADOC maintains custody of an inmate to a period of incarceration. ADOC In-House Population inmates are housed within correctional facilities owned and operated by ADOC; this includes transient inmates between correctional facilities.
Alabama Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Alaska Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (5/1)
Inmate Positives: 1 (5/1)
Inmates Tested: 219 (5/1)
Inmate Test Results Pending: 13 (5/1)
Inmate Negatives: 205 (5/1)
Staff Positives: 6 (4/16)
Alaska Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Arizona Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 5 (5/3)¹
Inmate Positives: 63 (5/3)
Inmates Tested: 211 (5/3)
Inmate Tests Pending: 1 (5/3)
Inmate Negatives: 148 (5/3)
Inmates Recovered: 3 (5/3)
Percentage of Positive COVID-19: 0.15%² (5/3)
Notes: ¹Deaths deemed “preliminary” and not “confirmed.” According to the ADOC, “This data reflects the initial clinical conclusion of hospital or Centurion medical staff that the death was caused or contributed to by COVID-19.” ADOC reports 0 “confirmed deaths.”
²Overall population against those who are confirmed.
Staff Positives: 46 (5/3)
Staff Certified Recovered: 24 (5/3)
ADOC Total Population: 47,217 (3/31)
Total Inmate Population: 41,386 (5/3)
Total Out to Court/Medical Population: 376 (3/31)
Community Supervision Offenders: 5,233 (3/31)
Arizona Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Arkansas Department of Corrections COVID-19
Deaths: 0 (5/1)
Inmate Positives: 860 (5/1)
Inmates Tested: 1,855 (4/28)
Inmate Tests Pending: 27 (4/28)
Staff Deaths: 0 (5/1)
Staff Positives: 64 (5/1)
Staff Tested: 647 (4/28)
Staff Tests Pending: 25 (4/28)
Arkansas Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1 (5/3)
Inmate Positives: 262 (5/3)
Inmates Tested: 1,491 (5/3)
Inmate Tests Pending: 443 (5/3)
Inmate Negatives: 786 (5/3)
Staff Deaths: 0 (5/3)
Staff Positives: 156 (5/3)
California Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Colorado Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1¹ (5/1)
Inmate Positives: 260 (4/30)
Inmate Active Positives: 259 (4/30)
Inmates Tested: 518 (4/30)
Inmate Tests Pending: 2 (4/15)
Inmate Negatives: 22 (4/15)
Inmates Recovered: 1 (4/30)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/30)
Staff Positives: 20 (4/30)
Staff Active Positives: 12 (4/30)
Staff on Leave: 79 (4/30)
Colorado Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Connecticut Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 3 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 417 (4/29)
Inmate Positives at Northern Correctional Institution Isolation Unit: 152 (4/17)
Inmates Medically Cleared (after contracting COVID-19) and Returned to Original Facilities: 67 (4/17)
Staff Positives: 326 (4/29)
Staff Medically Cleared and Returned to Work: 19 (4/17)
Connecticut Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Delaware Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 3 (4/28)
Inmate Positives: 67 (4/28)
Inmate Tests: 200 (4/28)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/28)
Staff Positives: 38 (4/28)
Delaware Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Florida Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 5 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 202 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 447 (4/29)
Inmate Tests Pending: 89 (4/19)
Inmate Negatives: 159 (4/19)
Inmates in Security Quarantine: 300 (4/19)
Inmates in Medical Quarantine: 3,944 (4/19)
Inmates in Medical Isolation: 89 (4/19)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 143 (4/29)
Florida Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Georgia Department of Correction COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 8 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 228 (4/29)
Inmate Positives (County/Private Prisons): 13 (4/19)
Inmates Recovered from COVID-19: 36 (4/19)
Inmates in County and Private Prisons Recovered from COVID-19: 8 (4/19)
Staff Deaths: 1 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 86 (4/29)
Staff Recovered from COVID-19: 11 (4/19)
Georgia Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Hawaii Department of Public Safety COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/19)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/19)
Inmates Tested: 16 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 11 (4/19)
Inmates in Quarantine: 2 (4/19)
Staff Positives: 0 (4/29)
Hawaii Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Idaho Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 34 (4/29)
Inmate Tests Pending: 1 (4/20)
Inmate Negatives: 26 (4/20)
Staff Positives: 4 (4/29)
Staff Tests: 62 (4/29)
Idaho Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Illinois Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 10 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 155 (4/29)
Inmates Recovered from COVID-19: 62 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 149 (4/29)
Staff Recovered from COVID-19: 35 (4/20)
Illinois Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Indiana Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 7 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 334 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 159 (4/29)
Indiana Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Iowa Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 15 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 277 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 5 (4/29)
Iowa Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Kansas Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 81 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 79 (4/29)
Kansas Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Kentucky Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 47 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 30 (4/29)
Kentucky Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 4 (5/3)¹
Total Inmate Positives: 296 (5/3)
Total Inmate Tested Positive Symptomatic: 173 (5/3)
Total Inmate Tested Positive Asymptomatic: 123 (5/3)
Current Inmate Positives: 287 (5/3)
Inmates in Step-Down Protocol: 82 (5/3)
Inmates Recovered from COVID-19: 5 (5/3)
¹Designated non-COVID-19 due to the inmates having underlying medical conditions.
Staff Deaths: 3 (5/3)
Staff Positives: 113 (5/3)
Staff Recovered from COVID-19: 28 (5/3)
Louisiana Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Maine Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 23 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 17 (4/19)
Inmates in Isolation: 1 (4/19)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 1 (4/29)
Maine Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 52 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 174 (4/29)
Maryland Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
- MDPSCS does not have a COVID-19 dashboard. Data collected via phone call to, and email from, MDPSCS Acting Director of Communications Mark Vernarelli. Here is the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services COVID-19 Semiweekly Update – April 16, 2020.
Massachusetts Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 7 (5/3)
Inmate Positives: 257 (5/3)
Inmate Tests: 747 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 120 (5/3)
Massachusetts Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Michigan Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 41 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 1,412 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 3,117 (4/29)
Inmate Tests Pending: 11 (4/19)
Inmates Negative: 306 (4/19)
Inmates in Step-Down Units: 131 (4/19)
Staff Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 268 (4/29)
Michigan Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Minnesota Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 79 (4/29)
Inmate Presumed Positives: 37 (4/20)
Inmates Hospitalized: 2 (4/20)
Inmates No Longer Requiring Isolation: 15 (4/20)
Inmates Tested: 334 (4/29)
Inmate Tests Pending: 13 (4/20)
Inmate Negatives: 49 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: (4/29)
Staff Positives: 39 (4/29)
Minnesota Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Mississippi Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 4 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 27 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 4 (4/29)
Mississippi Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Missouri Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1* (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 30 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 185 (4/29)
*MDOC states that this inmate died after testing positive for COVID-19, but that the inmate tested negative twice after the first positive test and prior to him actually dying.
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 13 (4/29)
Missouri Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Montana Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 2 (4/29)
Inmate Tested: 27 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 3 (4/29)
Montana Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Nebraska Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 3 (4/29)
Nebraska Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Nevada Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 24 (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 265 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 2 (4/20)
Staff Positives: 151 (4/20)
Nevada Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
New Hampshire Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 10 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 11 (4/29)
New Hampshire Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
New Jersey Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 29 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 153 (4/29)
Inmate Positives (inmates in halfway houses): 5 (4/17)
Inmate Negatives: 12 (4/17)
Inmates Tested: 196 (4/29)
Inmate Tests Pending: 15 (4/17)
Staff Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 518 (4/29)
New Jersey Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
New Mexico Corrections Department COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/13)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/13)
Inmates Tested: 3 (4/13)
Staff Positives: 0 (4/13)
Staff Tested: 5 (4/13)
New Mexico Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 11 (5/3)
Inmate Positives: 396¹ (5/3)
Inmates Recovered from COVID-19: 193 (5/3)
Inmates Tested: 553 (4/29)
¹Number includes inmates who have recovered from COVID-19.
Parolee Deaths: 4 (5/3)
Parolee Positives: 52 (5/3)
Staff Deaths: 2 (5/3)
Staff Positives: 1,100 (5/3)
New York Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
North Carolina Department of Public Safety COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 2 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 596 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 1,143 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 296 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 29 (4/29)
Staff Tested: 250 (4/29)
North Carolina Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/17)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/17)
Inmates Under Medical Investigation: 1 (4/17)
Inmates Tested: 25 (4/9)
Staff Positives: 0 (4/17)
North Dakota Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 29 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 3,890 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 1,035 (4/20)
Inmates Tested: 5,676 (4/29)
Inmates in Quarantine: 29,071 (4/20) (every institution)
Inmates in Isolation: 3,329 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 3 (4/15)
Staff Positives: 119 (4/15)
Ohio Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Oklahoma Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: __ (4/17)
Inmate Positives: 1 (4/17)
Inmates Tested: 425 (4/17)
Inmate Tests Pending: 119 (4/17)
Inmate Negatives: 308 (4/17)
Inmates in Quarantine: 41 (4/17)
Inmates in Isolation: 1 (4/17)
Staff Positives: 8 (4/17)
Oklahoma Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Oregon Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 6 (4/20)
Staff Positives: 10 (4/20)
Oregon Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 3 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 47 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 65 (4/20)
Inmates Tested: 148 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 90 (4/29)
Staff Negatives: 120 (4/20)
Staff Tested: 336 (4/29)
Pennsylvania Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Rhode Island Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 1* (4/20)
*Pre-trial detainee who tested positive prior to admission to RIDOC custody.
Staff Positives: 6 (4/20)
Rhode Island Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
- RIDOC COVID-19 Dashboard (information released via Facebook page)
- RIDOC Website
South Carolina Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 1 (4/20)
Staff Positives: 35 (4/20)
South Carolina Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
South Dakota Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/15)
Inmate Positives: 2 (4/15)
Staff Positives: 0 (4/15)
South Dakota Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Tennessee Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 759 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 3,834 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 283 (4/20)
Inmate Tests Pending: 51 (4/20)
Staff Positives: (4/20)
Tennessee Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Texas Department of Criminal Justice COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 12 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 1,050 (4/29)
Inmate Tests: 1,697 (4/29)
Inmates on Medical Restriction: 15,218 (4/20)
Inmates on Precautionary Lockdown: 42,551 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 5 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 381 (4/29)
Staff Tests: 1,795 (4/29)
Texas Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Utah Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: __ (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 9 (4/20)
Staff Positives: __ (4/20)
Utah Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Vermont Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 38* (4/20)
Inmates Tested: 218 (4/20)
Inmate Negatives: 178 (4/20)
Inmate Tests Pending: 2 (4/20)
Inmates in Medical Isolation: 38 (4/20)
Inmates Released from Medical Isolation: 15 (4/20)
*VDOC clarifies that two of these inmates are not currently in custody.
Staff Positives: 18 (4/20)
Vermont Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Virginia Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 1 (4/20)
Inmate Positives: 170 (4/20)
Inmate Positives (currently in custody) 138 (4/20)
Inmates Positive in Hospital: 9 (4/20)
Staff Positives: 53 (4/20)
Virginia Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Washington Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 18 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 323 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 242 (4/20)
Inmate Tests Pending: 27 (4/20)
Inmates in Isolation: 128 (4/20)
Inmates in Quarantine: 789 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 32 (4/29)
Washington Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Tests: 30 (4/29)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 1 (4/29)
West Virginia Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
- No COVID-19 Dashboard. Data collected via phone call with WVDCR public information staff.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 18 (4/29)
Inmates Tested: 137 (4/29)
Inmate Negatives: 92 (4/20)
Inmate Tests Pending: 8 (4/20)
Staff Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 18 (4/29)
Wisconsin Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Wyoming Department of Corrections COVID-19
Inmate Deaths: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Positives: 0 (4/29)
Inmate Tests: 15 (4/29)
Staff Positives: 1 (4/29)
Staff Tests: 10 (4/29)
Wyoming Prison System COVID-19: Official Links and Data
Published Apr 19, 2020 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Mar 26, 2023 at 6:43 am