Yuma Complex inmate shares coronavirus fears
Sister of prisoner discusses conditions behind bars
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - State prison officials confirm - coronavirus is lurking within the walls of the Yuma Prison Complex. Now one infected inmate is sharing his fears about the virus' spread with News 11's Crystal Jimenez.
Bianca Egurrola says her brother worked in the same kitchen at the same time as a prison contractor who tested positive for the illness earlier this month.
[RELATED ARTICLE: Local prison food contractor tests positive for coronavirus]
Egurrola's brother says the prison later notified inmate workers about their possible contact, then isolated them in a yard. He says he initially had no symptoms, but a few days after his test, he started feeling weak.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) confirms it isolating infected inmates from the general population. It says positive prisoners have their own shower and bathroom facilities, sleeping quarters, and dining area. It says it is also closely monitoring the sick inmates.
Still Egurrola's brother says inmates still worry about social distancing given their tight quarters. He says infected inmates have little room for separation.
Bianca tells us, she worries her brother can't recover while surrounded by other sick inmates.
In the past, correctional officers (CO's) at the Yuma Prison Complex have shared their fears of catching the virus with News 11. They've told us, CO'S who work directly with positive inmates now wear hazmat suits during their shifts.
Egurrola's brother says he believes CO's are doing what they can to help make the situation better in spite of the circumstances they're working under.
Most recently the ADCRR has began on site testing for it's CO's and other prison workers.
[RELATED ARTICLE: Yuma Prison Complex correctional officers get better COVID-19 testing]
