Corrections officers call for better protection in Yuma Complex
Officers say prison can do more to curb spread of coronavirus
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Correctional officers (CO) from the Arizona State Yuma Prison Complex tell News 11, they lack the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to protect them from coronavirus.
The sources we spoke to have inside the prison have asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. They tell us both COs and inmates feel the prison could do more to prevent the spread of the illness. The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) website shows 39 inmates have tested positive for the virus as of Monday.
[RELATED STORY: Another Yuma Prison inmate positive for coronavirus]
Sources claim the inmates who tested positive for COVID-19 are being housed in a warehouse-like setting. They say prisoners awaiting results are held in a separate building, but are still allowed to interact with other inmates during recreation breaks, meal times, while using the phones, or being transferred to medical.
A CO tells us, prison leadship only allots one box of gloves per shift. Each box contains 100 gloves, or 50 pairs. The officer says each shift consists of at least 20 officers - giving each one a maximum of 2 pairs of gloves per shift. The World Health Organization recommends medical gloves be used only once.
The same officer says he's only received one N-95 respiratory mask. He claims he received it last month, and has yet to be issued a new one. The CDC website suggests to limit mask reuses to no more than five.
The ADCRR has responded to News 11 about the claims made from the CO's with:
"ADCRR continues to separate any inmates who exhibit flu-like symptoms from the general population, for monitoring and appropriate follow-up care. Inmates in Yuma who have tested positive are housed in an area with bunks, toilets, climate control, water, microwaves, and access to television, phones, and showers. The inmates who tested positive are being cohorted together and are being provided full inmate service as well as being closely medically monitored. They are not in contact with the other inmates. Staff have ample supplies of gloves with the ability to obtain more as needed and N-95 masks are appropriately replaced when they are worn, lost or damaged."
