Federal prisons are locking down inmates, confining them to their cells for two weeks with few exceptions to protect against the coronavirus.
The Bureau of Prisons announced on Tuesday that a 14-day lockdown would begin Wednesday morning and potentially stay in place longer. Federal officials implemented the lockdown to limit the spread of the pathogen and protect inmates within the confines of federal lockups.
“During this time, to the extent practicable, inmates should still have access to programs and services that are offered under normal operating procedures, such as mental health treatment and education,” the bureau said in a statement. “Limited group gathering will be afforded to the extent practical to facilitate commissary, laundry, showers, telephone, and Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) access.”
Prison officials are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to limit the amount of movement within the prison system.
Attorney General William Barr has ordered a review of inmates to determine whether some can be removed from prison and placed under house arrest without endangering the public. Each prisoner moved out of the close confines of a prison lowers the risk of the coronavirus spreading among inmates, according to Barr.
“Obviously, the health and safety of our inmates and our staff is a top priority for us,” the attorney general said on Thursday. “We take seriously our responsibility to protect those who are in our custody.”
