COVID

While the correctional guards’ union is busy arguing that its members should not have to be vaccinated to work behind these walls, one of them has infected a prisoner here who was scheduled to be released. Because that prisoner was housed on my block, I and 46 other prisoners, all deemed high risk by the DOC due to underlying health conditions, are on semi-quarantine. I was just COVID tested again. You know how uncomfortable that is.

The only way for prisoners to be infected is via DOC employees. But they are fighting against vaccination. While over 80% of PA prisoners have taken the vaccine, less than 30% of the guards did. Nationwide, over 2700 prisoners have died due to COVID. The PA DOC has mandated vaccination for its employees. But the guards are opposed to this much needed safety measure. And what has happened here today is further proof of why mandated vaccinations should be in place and it demonstrates the recalcitrance of the guards and their disregard for the health and safety of incarcerated people.

Always,

Stevie