Georgia Prison Employee Tests Positive For Virus As Activists Raise Alarm

Public health experts are urging jails and prisons to take steps to reduce their incarcerated populations as coronavirus risks continue to grow.

David Goldman / Associated Press

A Georgia state prison employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Georgia Department of Corrections is not saying at which of its 34 state prison facilities the employee worked. The person last reported to work last Thursday; the same day prison officials suspended visitation statewide – including for attorneys and volunteers.

The department said it’s practicing “enhanced” screening and cleaning protocols. Inmates are being given two free phone calls and four electronic messages a week. The department is also waiving a $5 co-pay for doctors visits for inmates who show coronavirus symptoms.