Rumors abound that Trump is using any means possible to keep secret the real numbers of persons infected with the coronavirus and the numbers of deaths from the pandemic. The federal prison system numbers are ones he could hide from the public.

An example of this are the rumors regarding the Coleman Federal Prison in Florida. It became off-limits to visitors before social distancing was advised by Trump. The reason was said to be something having to do with the water system.

Allegedly a few days ago inmates in some pods began having their temperatures taken where it was rumored a staff member was infected. Inmates are not being given explanations for anything. Visitation is denied as it should be at this time.

Few inmates were sentenced to the death penalty but that may well be what they receive in the densely populated confines of the facility. In our prisons – state & federal – social distancing is virtually impossible. Sanitary conditions are rarely maintained. Often prisoners don’t even have soap. Medical care is probably poor at best.

Many inmates who were not sentenced for violent crimes are (a) vulnerable because of age and/or underlying health issues or (b) incarcerated for relatively short sentences. These people do not present a threat to society so actually it would be safer for the public by being released to their homes. If large numbers of them became infected in the prisons, which is highly likely, then their guards coming & going from the prisons could infect who knows how many more people.

While there is widespread reports the Bureau of Prisons has taken steps to release some inmates, there have been no reports any of these releases have taken place. Common sense should prevail. But will it? Certainly the president & many governors haven’t shown common sense leadership while we try to stem the spread of this awful virus.

If you would like more information , I suggest reading WIRED and/or Forbes online.

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