COVID-19 Surge During Staff Shortage at California Women's Prison

One of California's two state prisons for women is experiencing its second surge in COVID-19 cases.

California Institution for Women first experienced a surge of over 150 inmate cases in May. Cases began to subside, but prison officials have now identified 55 new cases in the last 14 days.

Since the first outbreak, the 1,297-inmate facility has had a total of 344 confirmed cases.

One COVID-19 case at California Institution for Women has resulted in a death, according to state data.

Meanwhile, as inmates battle the virus, a shortage of staff forced the facility to change how it serves meals, which started Friday, August 7.

State corrections officials said a shortage of staff means incarcerated women will receive a cold breakfast, in addition to the normal box lunch and hot dinner.

Terri Hardy, a spokesperson with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said the prison is operating at 60% of its normal food service staff because some staff have been redirected to “maintain safety and security of the institution.”

Hardy said they are experiencing a shortage because staff are out for various reasons including long-term leave, pre-approved leave, reassignment, medical and/or family leave.

The state corrections department said they anticipate the normal meal schedule to resume Tuesday, August 11.

— Kate Wolffe (@KateWolffe), Lakshmi Sarah (@lakitalki)