INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 IN ARIZONA PRISONS...Jun 20, 2020 · between the CDC guidelines for...

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Harlan Grossman • Christiane Hipps Margaret Johns • Cesar Lagleva Jean Lu Laura Magnani Michael Marcum Ruth Morgan Seth Morris Vishal Shah

PRISON LAW OFFICE General Delivery, San Quentin, CA 94964

Telephone (510) 280-2621 Fax (510) 280-2704 www.prisonlaw.com

INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 IN ARIZONA PRISONS

June 3, 2020

Hello,

We are writing you about the coronavirus, or COVID-19. We are sending everyone

who writes to us the basic information that we have about the virus. This packet includes

information from the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC). Please understand that

the situation is changing every day. We do not know if this information is or will be

accurate by the time it reaches you.

COVID-19 Related Activity in Parsons v. Shinn

On March 16, we filed an emergency motion in federal court in the Parsons case,

which our office brought with the ACLU and other attorneys regarding the health care in the

ten Arizona state prisons, and conditions in max custody. (Parsons does not cover the

private for-profit prisons). We asked that the judge order ADC to work with the court

expert to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to prevent and manage COVID-19

in Arizona prisons, including patient education; screening, testing, treatment, and housing of

class members; provision of hygiene and cleaning supplies; health care and custody staffing

plans; coordination with community hospitals and among the ten prisons; and reduction of

the population for class members who are high risk according to the standards set forth by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your loved ones in the community can find

the court filings on our website: https://prisonlaw.com/news/arizona-covid-19/

Unfortunately, the judge denied the motion on March 23, 2020.

On March 18, ADC announced that they would stop charging people, including

indigent people, for soap and hygiene supplies. They said that all prisoners could request

soap free of charge from health care or correctional staff. They also said that they would not

charge the $4 copay to anybody with cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness

of breath) in an HNR. Finally, they said that they would start weekly “deep cleans” of

living units, and provided people with more access to cleaning products. ADC has shut

down visiting, and most off-site inmate work assignments to prevent the spread of the virus.

Enclosed are copies of ADC’s media updates through May 28, 2020.

We went back to the court after ADC refused to provide us the names of the

incarcerated people who had been tested for COVID-19. On April 2, 2020, Judge Roslyn

Director: Donald Specter Managing Attorney: Sara Norman Staff Attorneys: Rana Anabtawi Patrick Booth Steven Fama Alison Hardy Sophie Hart Corene Kendrick Rita Lomio Margot Mendelson

https://prisonlaw.com/news/arizona-covid-19/

Arizona COVID-19 Information

June 3, 2020

Silver issued an order instructing ADC to provide the attorneys for incarcerated people the

names of every person tested for COVID-19, as well as the results. In her order, she wrote

that “Defendants’ response gives the impression that they are willfully blind to the

Stipulation’s raison d’etre—which is to provide for prisoners’ health care through

diagnostic testing and treatment.” She also identified that ADC’s refusal to provide this

information to the attorneys for incarcerated people could reflect “Defendants’ failure to

accept what may be a grave threat facing the prisoner population”

On April 16, 2020, we notified ADC of our concerns about the use of punitive

solitary confinement and detention units at ASPC-Eyman and ASPC-Tucson for medical

quarantine purposes for people with COVID-19 symptoms or confirmed positive. The letter

described multiple detention units well beyond design capacity, indicating that three people

are forced together in a cell designed for two, and how this forecloses any of the physical

distancing that the CDC and other experts indicate are necessary. The letter called on ADC

to describe all actions being taken to mitigate overcrowding, and to operate medical

quarantines in accord with guidelines set forth by experts in a recent report, The Ethical Use

of Medical Isolation – Not Solitary Confinement – to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in

Correctional Settings. The letter also described substantially deteriorating conditions in

maximum custody units in the past two months. On April 21, 2020, we notified ADC that

the apparent practice at ASPC-Florence of housing together in quarantine both patients who

have tested positive, and those who are symptomatic but results are pending, is inconsistent

with guidance from the CDC. On April 23, 2020, we again notified ADC that the APSC-

Phoenix prison appeared to be quarantining symptomatic patients in overcrowded suicide

watch units. On April 30, we asked ADC to update us as to whether they or their contractor

Centurion have changed or modified policies regarding the delivery of health care in

response to COVID-19 pandemic. On May 15, we notified ADC of our comparison

between the CDC guidelines for prisons and the COVID-19 plans that ADC and Centurion

provided to the Court, and detailed many shortcomings in the prison system’s COVID-19

plans. On June 3, 2020, we notified ADC that ASPC-Yuma prison appeared to not properly

quarantine people suspected of having COVID-19.

On May 6, 2020, we filed a motion asking Judge Silver to find ADC officials in

contempt of past court orders, due to their longstanding failure to provide timely urgent

specialty care for people incarcerated in ASPC-Florence. The motion details years of

noncompliance with a critically important portion of the parties’ settlement agreement that

requires that prisoners who are referred to outside specialists for urgent care are seen within

30 days of the request. The prisoners’ motion asks the court to fine the State $400,000 for

eight months of noncompliance with this measure at ASPC-Florence, after the court issued

an order in May 2019 directing ADC to start to comply with the measure or be fined

$50,000 for each month of noncompliance. The Florence prison houses numerous class

members with serious medical conditions, and to date has had the highest rate of infection


June 3, 2020

with COVID-19 (as of June 3, 58% of those tested for infection at Florence have been found

positive), and at least five prisoners from Florence have died due to COVID-19 infection.

The motion also asks the Court to order ADC to consult with the court’s expert, Dr. Marc

Stern, to implement remedial efforts to ensure access to specialty care.

Reports About Conditions in Arizona Prisons

We have received numerous reports from incarcerated people and their families that

the changes in policies about cleaning and hygiene supplies haven’t happened, and there is

limited amounts of soap and cleaning supplies. We are very concerned about people’s

safety in Arizona prisons, as it is hard to establish “social distancing” practices in crowded

prisons, and the medical care was inadequate prior to the pandemic. You can write and let

us know how the prison is responding to COVID-19. Your family can contact us via email

at [email protected] That information helps us in our advocacy and enforcement

efforts. A postage-prepaid envelope is enclosed. The State of California has ordered

residents to shelter in place until further notice, in response to COVID-19. As a result,

Prison Law Office staff are working remotely. There may be a delay in processing

correspondence, including emails and letters. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we

appreciate your patience.

You also should file a grievance about the conditions in your housing unit, or ADC’s

failure to abide by the policies for cleaning, hygiene, and social distancing. Under

Department Order 802, ADC’s policy for the grievance process, “[i]nmates are not required

to use the formal Inmate Grievance Procedure to submit a verbal or written emergency

complaint.” D.O. 802 defines an emergency as “a condition which, if processed through the

normal grievance time frames, would subject the inmate to substantial risk of medical harm,

personal injury or cause other serious and irreparable harm.” (D.O. 802, § 1.8.1).

Furthermore, “[a]ny emergency complaint received by staff shall be immediately evaluated

through the chain of command to determine whether it is an emergency as defined in 1.8.1

of this section and requires immediate response outside of the Inmate Grievance Procedure

time frames.” (D.O. 802, § 1.8.2). If you file an emergency grievance about COVID-19

policies and practices, and receive a response, please send it to our offices for review. D.O.

802 is available on ADC’s website in English and Spanish, or you can write us back and

request a copy of the policy.

Early/Temporary Releases

We have been contacted by numerous incarcerated people and their families about

the possibility of getting released early or temporarily from ADC custody. This is outside of

the scope of the Parsons case, and the judge in our case cannot order you released. In

addition, unlike many other governors in other states who have taken actions to release

mailto:[email protected]


June 3, 2020

vulnerable populations or people who are close to their release date, Governor Ducey has

said repeatedly that he will not consider releasing incarcerated people. Under Arizona law,

the only way that an incarcerated person can be released early for medical reasons is if they

go before the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency in an “imminent danger of death”

hearing if the medical provider completes a written prognosis statement that there is a

reasonable certainty that the person’s medical condition will result in death within four (4)

months from the point of application. If you want more information about the clemency

application process, we can send you a handout that was prepared by Post-Conviction Clinic

at Arizona State University that includes the application forms. If you want a free copy of

the handout, please write us back and request it.

We are also aware that a few county public defender offices are investigating

whether they could possibly file petitions for resentencing on behalf of former clients who

are serving prison terms but are very ill. You can try contacting the public defender office

for the county from which you were convicted. Again, we cannot assist you in this, nor can

we look up who was your attorney in your criminal case.

Sharing Your Story With Reporters and the Public

A number of reporters are interested in learning more about what ADC is doing to

prevent and manage COVID-19, and want to hear about the experiences of people in the

Arizona prisons. You or your families can contact them via U.S. Mail or email.

Jimmy Jenkins, Senior Producer

KJZZ / NPR

2323 West 14th St.

Tempe, AZ 85281

[email protected]

Dave Biscobing, Investigator

ABC15

515 North 44th St.

Phoenix, AZ 85008

[email protected]

Lauren Castle, Criminal Justice Reporter

Arizona Republic

200 East Van Buren

Phoenix, AZ 85004

[email protected]

Jacques Billeaud, Reporter

The Associated Press

1850 North Central Ave., Ste. 640

Phoenix, AZ 85004

[email protected]

Please note that under Section 5.2.2 of ADC Department Order 914 (rev. April 7,

2017), “Unsealed outgoing mail, for the below listed recipients, shall be brought to the mail

room for inspection and processing. Mail room staff shall inspect the unsealed envelope for

contraband, but shall not read the content of the enclosed correspondence. . . . Publisher or

editor of a newspaper, news magazine or periodical of general distribution, national or

international news service or to the station manager of any radio or television stations.”


June 3, 2020

The Impact of COVID-19 On Receiving Specialty Care

It is also possible that any outside specialty medical care you need may be delayed.

In addition to limits on transfers between and out of the prisons, many medical services are

delayed both inside and outside prison – for both incarcerated people and people in the

community – because doctors are responding to the COVID-19 emergency. On March 19,

2020, Governor Ducey issued an executive order stopping all non-essential surgeries in

Arizona, so that hospitals and providers can continue offering vital services. According to

the executive order, a non-essential surgery is “a surgery that can be delayed without undue

risk to the current or future health of the patient.” The order also states that “a licensed

medical professional shall use their best medical judgment in determining whether a surgery

is non-essential or elective.” On April 22, 2020, Governor Ducey issued an executive order

removing these restrictions for hospitals and health facilities that implement measures to

keep staff and patients safe, so if you needed outside specialty care, it should be occurring

again. However, please note that ADC’s current practice is to quarantine people for 14 days

upon return from offsite medical encounters.

Important Advice Regarding COVID-19 / Coronavirus

Public Health experts say it is crucial to avoid close contact with (stay six feet from)

people as much as possible in order to avoid spreading the virus, and to reduce the chances

of catching it. Many people who have the virus have no symptoms or only minor ones, so

you might not know if you are infected and at risk of spreading it to others. It is safest to

assume that anyone can have the virus, and to reduce contact in order to protect the most

vulnerable people (the elderly and people with preexisting medical conditions). If you have

flu-like symptoms – a fever (high temperature), body aches, cough, or shortness of

breath – you should let staff know right away, including by putting in a HNR. Tell any

staff member at any time if you have an emergency or urgent health care problem. Enclosed

is information from the Centers for Disease Control about COVID-19.

We are very concerned about the well-being of every person in the prison system.

This is a very stressful time for everyone in our country and world, but especially for people

who are locked up and their loved ones. Please take care, stay well, and look out for one

another.

PRISON LAW OFFICE

CS 314937-A 03/20/2020

cdc.gov/COVID19

What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of• fever• cough• shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus? Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.

How can I help protect myself? People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with

unwashed hands.• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20

seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should• Stay home when you are sick.• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the

tissue in the trash.• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects

and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine? There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic .

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

6/3/2020 COVID-19 Management Updates | Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry

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COVID-19 Management UpdatesMay 28, 2020

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, REHABILITATION AND REENTRY

COVID-19 Management Strategy Update (PHOENIX) – The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry today announced enhancedCOVID-19 PCR testing at Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC) in Yuma, part of a statewide plan to providetesting to all correctional officers and prison employees. As part of Governor Ducey’s work to expand COVID-19testing across Arizona, the Department is working to prioritize serology testing for all correctional officers inaddition to this PCR program in Yuma. Starting Tuesday through Thursday, May 28, COVID-19 PCR swab testing is taking place through an onsitemobile testing process at the Yuma complex so ADCRR’s hard working men and women do not have to travel tooff-site testing locations. More than 1,200 staff members including 890 correctional officers as well as contractemployees at the facility are able to participate. The testing is being conducted by the Regional Center for BorderHealth, Inc (https://www.rcfbh.org/)., based in Somerton, Arizona, following a partnership with the ArizonaDepartment of Health Services (ADHS), Senator Lisa Otondo, Representative Charlene Fernandez andRepresentative Geraldine Peten. “This is an exceptional bipartisan example of people coming together in service for the greater good in providingCOVID-19 testing to our brave frontline men and women who continue to define public service throughout thepandemic,” said David Shinn, Director of ADCRR. “I wish to thank Sen. Otondo for reaching out regarding staff-wide testing at Yuma and also wish to thank ADHS director, Dr. Cara Christ and Representatives Fernandez andPeten along with Amanda Aguirre, President and CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health for theircollaboration.” “I’m thrilled that LD4 Democrats were able to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Corrections, DirectorShinn and the Regional Center for Border Health to bring 1,000 COVID Tests to Yuma Prison. Amanda Aguirreand her staff stepped up and stepped forward to help. Words are not enough to describe how deeply grateful I am toAmanda and her staff for the life-saving work they are doing in Arizona,” said Senator Otondo.

AZCensus2020 Visit OpenBooks Ombudsman-Citizens Aide Get the facts on COVID-19

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ADCRR maintains a vigilant posture with rigorous ongoing symptom checks across all of its state complexesincluding temperature checks for everyone entering facilities. COVID-19 data continues to be updated onADCRR’s dashboard at https://corrections.az.gov/adcrr-covid-19-dashboard (//corrections.az.gov/adcrr-covid-19-dashboard). For the latest regarding ADCRR COVID-19 management strategy, please also visit:https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/).

May 8, 2020


COVID-19 Management Strategy Update(PHOENIX) –The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry is offering temporaryvideo visitation beginning on Sunday, May 10, 2020, to coincide with Mother’s Day. This temporaryprogram is intended to provide an opportunity for families to remain connected during the suspension ofvisitation that has been extended across all complexes through June 13, 2020 due to the COVID-19pandemic.

Video visitation will be available to approved visitors and inmates who have visitation privileges. Inmatesare eligible for one 15-minute video visit per week in order to allow as many inmates as possible toparticipate. Initially, no fees are associated with the video visitations.

Visitors may schedule their appointments on Thursdays and Fridays for the following week. The currentvideo visitation days are Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, with scheduling subject to time slot availability.Each tablet, along with headsets, will be cleaned and sanitized between visits.

Families and friends participating in video visitation must have a valid email address, access to adesktop/laptop or a cell phone equipped with camera/mic, and the latest version of the Google Meetapp. A meeting invitation code will be provided by the complex.

Existing phone call and written letter privileges remain in place for inmates, along with two additional 15-minute phone calls per week, provided at no charge by CenturyLink, ADCRR’s phone and internetprovider.

The latest data and COVID-19 Management Strategy Updates can be found on our websiteat https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/)

May 1, 2020


COVID-19 Management Strategy Update

(PHOENIX) –The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry has updated the information onits website dashboard related to COVID-19. The dashboard will now include additional data reflecting the numberof inmate deaths attributed to COVID-19 based upon the initial clinical conclusion of physicians and subsequently,the final forensic determination of the county medical examiner as those become available.

https://corrections.az.gov/adcrr-covid-19-dashboard





In addition, the dashboard will now reflect the number of ADCRR staff members who have reported having testedpositive for COVID-19, as well as those staff members who have been medically cleared to return to work.

ADCRR is also revising previously reported data on the number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19.This revision is being made in order to ensure accuracy due to a handful of inmates who were tested more thanonce out of an abundance of caution. Inadvertently, a handful of tests were counted more than once (multipletests for the same person were reported initially as individual positive cases). The revised data is now posted onADCRR’s website.

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry is required by statute (A.R.S. § 11-593(B)(4)) toreport all inmate deaths. The county Medical Examiner is required by statute (A.R.S. § 11-594(A)(2)) to conduct adeath investigation and potential autopsy of all inmate deaths. Upon completion of the death investigation andany autopsy, the county Medical Examiner is required by statute (A.R.S. § 11-594(A)(3)(5)) to certify the cause andmanner of death and to promptly execute a death certificate indicating the cause and manner of death.

The latest data and COVID-19 Strategic Management Updates can be found on our website athttps://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/).

April 10, 2020



(Phoenix)—Effective today, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry is postingthe latest COVID19 statistics on our website. The dashboard will provide statistics for statewide ArizonaPrison Complexes and can be found at https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/). It will beupdated daily.

The ADCRR will also continue to provide the latest updates related to our response to the COVID-19pandemic on our website and on social media.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting ourwebsite, https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections on Twitter.

April 10, 2020



(Phoenix)—Effective April 13, 2020, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentrywill be extending the suspension of legal and non-legal visitation at all Arizona prison complexes for anadditional 30 days, through May 13, 2020, at which time the suspension will be re-evaluated. The






Department is taking this action to reduce the risk of the potential spread of COVID-19 within theprisons and its impact on staff and inmates.

The suspension of visitation includes non-contact visits and applies to facilities operated by theDepartment as well as third-party operated facilities. The existing Department policies for phone callsand written letters remain in effect. During this period, CenturyLink will continue to provide inmates withtwo additional 15-minute phone calls per week, free of charge.

The Department continues to implement its existing Communicable Disease and Infection Controlprotocols, remind staff and inmates about how they can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19,including washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and require employees tostay home if they are sick.

The Department appreciates everyone’s understanding and cooperation as we work together to protectthe health and safety of our staff, the inmates in our care, and the communities we serve.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website,https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections on Twitter.

April 9, 2020


COVID-19 Management Strategy Update The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) has been notified that an inmate has testedpositive for COVID-19 at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Florence.To date, of the more than 42,000 ADCRR inmates, 68 inmates have been tested, 58 have tested negative, three are confirmedpositive, and seven are pending.Consistent with CDC guidance and ADCRR Infectious Disease Protocols, ADCRR continues to separate any inmates whoexhibit flu-like symptoms from the general population, for monitoring and appropriate follow-up care. Like manycorrectional systems nationwide, the department has experience managing infectious diseases at its facilities and is takingproactive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the inmate population.The Department will continue to provide regular updates on our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19 within ourfacilities as well as inmates’ positive test results.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website,https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections (https://twitter.com/AZCorrections)onTwitter.

April 7, 2020





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The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) has been notified that two inmateshave tested positive for COVID-19. The first inmate has been housed at a community hospital since March 27,2020 due to several non-Covid related symptoms. The inmate was found positive after having been previouslytested twice with negative results while at the same community hospital where he currently remains.ADCRR was also notified of an inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 at the Marana CommunityCorrectional Treatment Facility operated by Management and Training Corporation. The Marana facility is aminimum-custody third-party operator under contract with ADCRR. The facility provides custody and substanceabuse treatment for 500 adult male inmates.Both inmates are receiving appropriate medical care at their current locations. Of the more than 42,000 ADCRR inmates, 60 have been tested, 48 have tested negative, 10 are pending and twohave tested positive. Consistent with CDC guidance and ADCRR Infectious Disease Protocols, we continue toseparate any inmates who exhibit flu-like symptoms from the general population, for monitoring and appropriatefollow-up care. Like many correctional systems nationwide, the department has experience managing infectiousdiseases at its facilities and is taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the inmatepopulation. Following CDC guidelines, ADCRR also continues to communicate with staff and inmates about howthey can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. The Department will continue to provide regular updates on our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19within our facilities as well as inmates’ positive test results.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website,https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections (https://twitter.com/AZCorrections)onTwitter.

April 7, 2020


COVID-19 Management Strategy Update As part of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry response to the evolving CDCguidelines regarding face coverings, ADCRR will be distributing fabric face coverings to all employees over thenext few days. On Friday, the CDC recommended that essential staff wear non-medical (non-PPE) cloth facecoverings to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID19.The face coverings are being made by inmates at Perryville, Douglas, and Florence complexes through theArizona Correctional Industries (ACI) garment program, which has been in operation for more than 30years. The department is making enough so each employee will receive two face coverings. ACI, a division of theADCRR, was developed more than 35 years ago to provide structured programming to create opportunities foroffenders to develop marketable skills and strong work habits. ACI inmate programs allow inmates to be paid fortheir work.Thus far, more than 8,000 face coverings have been made, with more being made over the coming weeks. “This is a testament to the impact our ACI programs provide, and the contributions our inmate population makesin this time of need,” said David Shinn, ADCRR Director. “As our employees enter our complex facilities forwork, the face coverings will provide an extra level of protection to reduce the risk of any potential spread to ourinmate population. We also continue to encourage all employees and inmates to monitor themselves and othersfor COVID-19 symptoms, stay home if feeling ill, practice physical distancing whenever possible and remain





vigilant in washing hands regularly. It will take all of us doing our part to protect those at high risk, and supportkeeping our employees and inmates safe and healthy.”Of the more than 42,000 inmates in ADCRR custody and care, there are currently zero cases of COVID19. So far,44 inmates have tested negative for COVID19, with eight COVID19 tests pending.As part of ADCRR’s ongoing COVID19 Management Strategy, all employees entering Arizona prison complexescontinue to undergo required health checks at each facility. Employees are sent home immediately if they areexperiencing COVID-19-like symptoms and are required to stay home if they are sick. Following guidelinesconsistent with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the CDC, ADCRR continues tocommunicate with staff and inmates about how they can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.In accordance with CDC guidance, ADCRR continues to separate from the general inmate population anyinmates exhibiting flu-like symptoms for monitoring and appropriate follow-up care.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website,https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections on Twitter.

April 3, 2020



(PHOENIX)— In order to promptly implement the most recent CDC guidance(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html), the ArizonaDepartment of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is recommending employees wear a non-medical (non-PPE) cloth face covering to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID- 19 while conductingessential business. This recommendation includes employees reporting for duty across the Department.Additionally, ADCRR will continue to follow the recommendations by the CDC regarding Personal ProtectiveEquipment (PPE) for incarcerated/detained individuals and staff in a correctional facility.Of the more than 42,000 inmates in ADCRR custody and care, there are zero cases of COVID-19. So far, 39 inmates have tested negative for COVID-19, with five COVID-19 tests pending.Consistent with this new CDC guidance, (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html) ADCRR will continue to provide medical masks for healthcare workers and employees in directcontact with individuals who exhibit active flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms.Consistent with the CDC guidance and ADCRR Infectious Disease Protocols, ADCRR continues to separate anyinmates who exhibit flu-like symptoms from the general population for monitoring and appropriate follow-upcare.As part of the ADCRR’s COVID-19 Management Strategy, we continue to require all employees entering Arizonaprison complexes undergo an Infectious Disease Symptoms Check at each facility. Employees are sent homeimmediately if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.Following guidelines consistent with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the CDC, ADCRRcontinues to communicate with staff and inmates about how they can reduce the risk of contracting or spreadingthe COVID-19 virus, including regular hand washing, sanitizing surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html



requiring employees to stay home if they are sick.

Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website, https://corrections.az.gov/,(//corrections.az.gov/)and @AZCorrections (https://twitter.com/AZCorrections)on Twitter.

April 1, 2020


COVID-19 Management Strategy Update (PHOENIX)— Of the more than 42,000 inmates currently housed in ADCRR custody and care, there are noknown cases of the COVID-19. Of those inmates evaluated for flu-like symptoms, 34 inmates have been tested forCOVID-19, 29 are negative, and 5 test results are currently pending. As there are limited PPE supplies across the country for law enforcement, first responders, and healthcareproviders, we do not want to consume these critical supplies unnecessarily. At this point in the pandemic, ourposture continues to focus on presentation of symptoms which has been effective in managing the situation to thispoint. According to CDC recommendations, masks should be worn by patients with active virus symptoms duringtransportation to monitoring sites and those providers at healthcare facilities directly treating those patients. As thesituation dictates, PPE is available for all employees to appropriately respond. This procedure and protocolmatches the ADCRR direction for meeting all infectious disease threats encountered in the correctionalenvironment. The best advice by the CDC and ADHS is to wash hands frequently and wipe down common areaswith properly mixed disinfectant spray. Should CDC guidelines change, ADCRR will adapt our posture to meetthose new directives. For decades, the department has been well prepared to manage infectious diseases and uniquely positioned tomanage the even greater threat of airborne illnesses which include tuberculosis. “I am tremendously grateful for the great work the men and women of ADCRR do each day across the departmentto protect the community and do our part to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said ADCRR Director,David Shinn. Additional proactive measures ADCRR has taken in planning a response to this pandemic include suspendinginmate visitation, routinely checking staff for flu-like symptoms, suspending outside work details, isolation ofinmates experiencing flu like symptoms, suspension of routine inmate movement, and finalizing measures tostrategically control admissions to the entire state correctional system of more than 42,000 offenders.

March 30, 2020







(PHOENIX)— As a further proactive measure to combat the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus in Arizona’sprisons, ADCRR has reached a collective agreement with Sheriffs in all 15 counties to temporarily suspendadmissions of convicted persons from county jails for 21 days, followed by subsequent 21-day cycles of prudentadmissions. This emergency measure was spearheaded by ADCRR Director, David Shinn, in collaboration witheach Sheriff as part of ADCRR’s continued efforts to prevent the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.“Today is another example of how law enforcement agencies across the State are working together to prevent thespread of the COVID-19 virus while maintaining public safety,” said ADCRR Director, David Shinn. “I want tothank all 15 Sheriffs for their commitment and partnership. In particular, I also want to thank Maricopa CountySheriff Paul Penzone and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, for their exemplary leadership in this collaborative lawenforcement effort.”Currently, there are no known COVID-19 cases at any of ADCRR’s 16 prison complexes which house more than42,000 inmates. Get the latest information about ADCRR’s response to COVID-19 by visiting our website,https://corrections.az.gov/ (//corrections.az.gov/), and @AZCorrections (https://twitter.com/AZCorrections)onTwitter.

March 25, 2020ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, REHABILITATION AND

REENTRYCOVID-19 MANAGEMENT STRATEGY UPDATE

(Phoenix)— In response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, ADCRR will immediately pull back all off-site,work crews until national and local public health experts consider the COVID- 19 virus no longer a threat. Thefemale crew working at Hickman’s Family Farm will be temporarily housed on-site and away from the Perryvilleprison. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry has been a proud partner with Hickman’sFamily Farm for 25 years. This partnership provides job skills for offenders. It also ensures a stable supply ofHickman’s eggs for Arizona’s communities. Food products, such as eggs, have been determined nationally to be apart of our nation’s critical infrastructure. ADCRR and Hickman’s have partnered on a plan to temporarily house approximately 140 female inmates onsiteat Hickman’s for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency to control the potential spread ofCOVID-19 to thousands of other inmates. The inmates have already been working each day at Hickman’s underADCRR and Hickman’s supervision. “Many of these women inmates perform critical tasks related to the raising of baby chicks. Besides daily care,they also perform most of the tasks of vaccination,” said Glenn Hickman, President of Hickman’s Family Farm.“Their proper care today ensures an uninterrupted food supply tomorrow. It has been our family’s privilege to helpthousands of inmates learn life skills that keep them productive members of society, well after they leave thisprogram.” The inmates, from Perryville, are classified as minimum custody, which means they represent a low risk to thepublic and staff. This is the same classification of inmates that have been working at this location for years. Theseinmates will be closely monitored and supervised by correctional officers and Hickman’s at all times. They will behoused in one location, with all necessary accommodations and security measures. Once the declared COVID-19emergency has passed, these inmates will return to their housing location at Perryville.





“Our Department is focused on ensuring the health and safety of all inmates, officers and staff,” said ADCRRDirector David Shinn. “The decision to temporarily house inmates at Hickman’s is necessary to ensure a stablefood supply while also protecting public health and the health of those in our custody.” ADCRR currently has no known confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. Six inmates have been tested for thevirus and results are pending. We continue to take proactive measures to protect our staff and inmates against anypotential spread within the prisons, which includes reducing and suspending work crews that work outside theprison complexes.

March 23, 2020ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, REHABILITATION AND REENTRY

COVID-19 MANAGEMENT STRATEGY UPDATE(Phoenix)— While the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry currently has no knownconfirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, we continue to take proactive measures to protect our staff and inmates againstany potential spread. All ADCRR staff and inmates continue to be evaluated daily for any flu or allergy-like symptomsat prison complex facilities. Six inmates have been tested for the virus and results are pending. Inmates who exhibit flu-like symptoms are being closely monitored and cared for appropriately in a separate area to reduce the risk oftransmission.

ADCRR has implemented a number of measures to defend against the spread of COVID-19 virus in the complexes.Some of these include: suspending all visitations, stopping routine internal movement of inmates across all Arizonaprisons, and requiring all employees entering Arizona prison complexes to undergo an infectious disease symptomsevaluation.

ADCRR is sending out work crews on a limited and as needed basis, and will continue to evaluate active inmate workcrews, including temperature checks, as they return to the complex each day. Numbers and frequency of inmate workcrews are being significantly reduced.

ADCRR continues to follow mandatory industry standards as set forth by the American Correctional Association.ADCRR also follows the National Commission on Correctional Health Care guidelines through our audit process.

Following guidelines consistent with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), ADCRR continues tocommunicate with staff and inmates about how they can reduce the risk of contracting the virus, including regular handwashing, sanitizing common surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and encouraging employees to stay home if theyare sick.

For the latest ADCRR COVID-19 Management Strategy updates, please visit: https://corrections.az.gov

(https://corrections.az.gov)

March 20, 2020MEDIA ADVISORY


COVID-19 UPDATE

(Phoenix)— While the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry currently has no knownconfirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, we continue to take proactive measures to protect our staff and inmates




against any potential spread. ADCRR continues to follow mandatory industry standards as set forth by theAmerican Correctional Association(http://www.aca.org/ACA_Prod_IMIS/ACA_Member/About_Us/Our_History/ACA_Member/AboutUs/AboutUs_Home.aspx?hkey=0c9cb058-e3d5-4bb0-ba7c-be29f9b34380). ADCRR also follows the National Commissionon Correctional Health Care (https://www.ncchc.org/)guidelines through our audit process. All ADCRR staff and inmates continue to be evaluated daily for any flu or allergy-like symptoms at prisoncomplex facilities. Centurion, ADCRR’s healthcare vendor, is working closely with ADCRR leadership to address any inmates whohave flu-like symptoms. “Centurion is committed to providing high-quality care in accordance with best practices and professionalstandards to ensure the health of incarcerated individuals. In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Centurionfollows the established guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and public health officials to protectthe health of those living and working in prisons and jails,” said Wendy Orm, M.D., Centurion’s statewidemedical director. “Centurionmaintains a strong partnership with the Departments of Corrections and local health departments to ensure ourstaff is prepared to quickly identify, isolate, and manage the risk of contagious illness in the correctional facilitiesthat we serve. We understand that education, vigilant adherence to established policies, and proper personalhygiene practices are key to limiting the spread of infection in healthcare environments. Centurion has providedtraining on COVID-19 to our staff, and continues to update information and take additional precautions asnecessary.”

March 18, 2020MEDIA ADVISORY



(PHOENIX) – The Arizona Department of Correc�ons, Rehabilita�on and Reentry (ADCRR) has taken and is taking thefollowing immediate preemp�ve and precau�onary ac�ons as part of its ongoing COVID-19 Management Strategy to protectthe health and safety of its employees and the inmates in its care.These are ADCRR’s latest proac�ve measures to defend against the poten�al spread of the COVID-19 virus. They will not bethe last. While the threat of COVID-19 is new, ADCRR has for decades developed and implemented plans to manage incidents ofinfec�ous disease in a correc�onal environment involving inmates who are o�en medically fragile. ADCRR’s robust infec�ousdisease protocols are con�nuously tested with new inmate admissions involving tuberculosis or symptoms associated withthe common flu, scabies, chicken pox, or other droplet or airborne spread infec�ous disease. ADCRR is one of the only non-hospital se�ngs with nega�ve pressure rooms to treat and isolate those with airborne infec�ous diseases. “The health and safety of our staff and inmates at the Arizona Department of Correc�ons, Rehabilita�on and Reentry is ourparamount concern,” said David Shinn, Director of ADCRR. “In managing this situa�on, our two top priori�es are safety andpublic health as we work to mi�gate the poten�al spread of COVID-19 within our prisons.” ADCRR has implemented and is implemen�ng the following measures to defend against the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

http://www.aca.org/ACA_Prod_IMIS/ACA_Member/About_Us/Our_History/ACA_Member/AboutUs/AboutUs_Home.aspx?hkey=0c9cb058-e3d5-4bb0-ba7c-be29f9b34380

https://www.ncchc.org/



While ADCRR currently has no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, Director David Shinn has takenproac�ve measures to protect the public safety and well-being of all ADCRR employees and inmates bysuspending contact and non-contact legal and non-legal visita�on of inmates throughout the prison system.

Effec�ve immediately, a $4-copay that inmates pay for health care services is being waived for those whoare experiencing flu or cold-like symptoms.

Un�l such �me as the COVID-19 Emergency Declara�on has expired, ADCRR will provide free hand soap toall inmates upon request, effec�ve immediately. As recommended by ADHS, frequent handwashingremains the preferred method of virus preven�on.

Effec�ve immediately, ADCRR has stopped all rou�ne internal movement of inmates across all ArizonaPrison Complexes. Specialty needs for inmate movements will be evaluated on a case- by-case basis.External medical needs will con�nue based on provider availability.

Effec�ve yesterday, all inmate classes provided by local community colleges are suspended.Effec�ve this week, Wardens at each Arizona prison complex are ini�a�ng a weekly deep cleaning of allfacili�es. Wardens are also taking part in regular ongoing mee�ngs with ADCRR leadership to ensure robustavailability of soap, paper towels, hygiene items, and cleaning agents for both inmates and staff.

Effec�ve immediately, ADCRR is requiring all employees entering Arizona prison complexes to undergo anInfec�ous Disease Symptoms Check that includes a series of health ques�ons. In partnership with ADCRR’sinmate healthcare vendor, Centurion, ADCRR staff will be checked for symptoms of COVID-19 con�nuouslyas they enter each facility. Inmate work crews are already being screened as they depart and re-enter allprison complex facili�es.

On Monday, CenturyLink, ADCRR’s phone and internet provider, began offering inmates two 15- minutephone calls per week at no charge, in addi�on to the exis�ng phone call and wri�en le�er privileges. Thusfar, CenturyLink has reported that 6,339 free calls have been made on the system. ADCRR is grateful forCenturyLink’s recogni�on of this public health emergency and its generous response to lessen the burdenon staff and inmates alike. ADCRR is exploring poten�al video visita�on op�ons so that inmates may remainin close contact with family members.

Following guidelines consistent with the Arizona Department of Health Services, ADCRR con�nues to communicate withstaff and inmates about how they can reduce the risk of contrac�ng the COVID-19 virus, including washing hands, sani�zingsurfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and encouraging employees to stay home if they are sick. ADCRR also will con�nueto provide updates on addi�onal COVID-19 measures being taken to protect the safety and well-being of its staff and theinmates. For the latest regarding ADCRR’s COVID-19 management strategy, please also visit: h�ps://correc�ons.az.gov/(//correc�ons.az.gov/).




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March 13, 2020

Arizona Department of Corrections, Reentry and Rehabilitation Announces New Actions ToMitigate COVID-19 Risk

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry announced today that visitation at allArizona prison complexes will be suspended for 30 days, effective immediately, after which time thesuspension will be re-evaluated. With additional cases of COVID-19 expected in Arizona, theDepartment is taking this action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19 within our prisons and itsimpact on staff and inmates, as well as to ensure the continued effective operation of the statecorrectional system in the service of public safety. This is a proactive step, and the Department currentlydoes not have any confirmed cases within our community. “My top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our employees, inmates and those thatvisit our complexes,” said Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry Director DavidShinn. “Following similar steps taken at the federal level, this action aims to mitigate the risk COVID-19poses for our facilities. We will continue to coordinate closely with Arizona’s public health officials as thissituation evolves and communicate measures taken to protect the health of our community members.” The suspension of visitation includes non-contact visits and applies to facilities operated by theDepartment as well as third-party operated facilities. Our policies for phone calls and written lettersremain in effect, and inmates will have access to two 15-minute phone calls per week free of chargeduring this period. We will continue to post updates about the Department’s response to COVID-19 onour website. For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19, please visit the ArizonaDepartment of Health Services at AZHealth.gov/COVID19. In addition to this step, the Department continues to implement our existing Communicable Disease andInfection Control protocols. We are communicating with staff and inmates about how they can reducethe risk of contracting COVID-19, including washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, covering coughs andsneezes and encouraging employees to stay home if they are sick. The Department appreciates everyone’s understanding and cooperation to protect the health and safetyof our staff, the inmates in our care and the communities we serve.

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