Posted: | January 6, 2021 11:32 AM |
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From: | Representative Brian Sims |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Prioritizing the vaccination of incarcerated Pennsylvanians and corrections staff |
Over the course of the pandemic, over 8,000 inmates and nearly 4,000 staff at Pennsylvania correctional facilities have tested positive for COVID-19. In early December, news broke that over 440 inmates at State Correctional Institution Laurel Highlands, or over half of the prison’s population, have tested positive. This terrible situation is compounded by the fact that that institution serves many of Pennsylvania’s oldest inmates and those with complex medical needs. As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines begins, we cannot forget to protect incarcerated Pennsylvanians and employees of correctional facilities from COVID-19. My resolution would urge the Department of Health to prioritize the vaccination of incarcerated people, who often cannot adequately protect themselves from exposure to others, as well as prison staff to control community spread. Please join me in cosponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as HR73