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.”
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.”
UPDATE:
1:45 p.m.: This story was updated to reflect the latest case numbers reported by the Bureau of Prisons.
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