Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
More Than Half Of Inmates At Federal Prison In San Pedro Have Coronavirus
(Erik Mclean/Unsplash)
()
More than half the inmates at the low-security federal prison on Terminal Island in San Pedro have tested positive for COVID-19.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Bureau of Prisons reported on its website that 570 inmates and 10 staff had tested positive. Two inmates have died. There are 1,055 prisoners at the facility.
In response to the pandemic, the prison has suspended inmate use of telephone and email stations until May 18. Visiting has also been suspended “until further notice.”
Support for LAist comes from
The Bureau of Prisons said it would modify operations at its facilities to increase social distancing. “Such actions will include consideration of staggered meal times and staggered recreation times, for example, in order to limit congregate gatherings,” according to the BOP’s website.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-LA) said the high case count at Terminal island indicates the Bureau of Prisons is “violating the Constitution.” He tweeted:
“I believe forcing prisoners to be in settings where they have high exposure to a life-threatening virus constitutes Cruel and Unusual Punishment.”
- Judge’s Order To Reduce Detainee Population At Adelanto Temporarily Halted
- ACLU Sues ICE To Reduce Detainee Population At Adelanto Detention Center
- Hundreds Of Migrant Children Held In SoCal Expected To Be Released Because Of Pandemic
- Advocates Push CA's Top Court To Release More Detained Juveniles
UPDATE:
1:45 p.m.: This story was updated to reflect the latest case numbers reported by the Bureau of Prisons.
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist