Parnall Correctional Facility Prisoner is MDOC’s First COVID-19 Death

(April 4, 2020 9:51 PM) The MDOC has had its first death of a prisoner who tested positive for COVID-19. He was housed at Parnall Correctional Facility. According to department spokesman Chris Gautz, this prisoner had not previously been tested and had never told healthcare that he was feeling sick. The man was found unresponsive in his cell and was taken to the hospital, where he died. The hospital then tested him and the results came back positive for the virus. 

MDOC said they reiterated In a message to prisoners how important it is for prisoners to let healthcare know if they are feeling sick.

MDOC there are 207 COVID-19 positive inmates in 9 facilities statewide as of today. Of that total, there are 90 confirmed cases of COVID-19 positive prisoners at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson as of Saturday. Also in Jackson,  there are 7 COVID-19 positive prisoners at the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center/Duane Waters Health Center.

Note: The State of Michigan is classifying all MDOC COVID-19 information as a separate jurisdiction and it is not included within county statistics.

In a communication to staff, MDOC listed the series of measures it is taking to protect its staff, the prison population and the community: 

• Michigan State Industries has been producing masks for prisoners and correctional facility staff to wear. Facilities that had positive cases received masks first, and as production has increased, masks and protective gowns are being sent to all facilities for staff and prisoners. In the meantime, facility staff are permitted to bring their own PPE, such as masks, gloves and gowns.
• All MDOC staff transporting a prisoner on or off grounds are required to be dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), which is available for those employees.
• The need for social distancing to help prevent the spread of this virus has included asking organizations to have as many people telecommute as possible, and the MDOC is doing that to the extent we can. Employees should have been authorized to telecommute by their supervisor and supervisors who have questions should contact their leadership. No employees who have been ordered to telecommute should return to their work site unless authorized to do so by their deputy director or Director Washington. Employees who are telecommuting should complete required online training during this time.
• ALL correctional facility employees must continue to report to work. Our facilities need to continue operating as close to normal as possible for the safety of those both outside and inside the institution. We need to continue to keep prisoners engaged and occupied in a productive manner to ensure the stability, safety and security of our facilities. Thank you to our correctional facility staff for all they do to keep the citizens of our state safe.
• Visitation at facilities statewide has been suspended. In connection with this, face-to-face college classes at all facilities also has been suspended effective immediately for at least the next three weeks. This is a proactive step to keep all staff, volunteers, contractors, and prisoners safe. The MDOC will work with higher education institutions willing and able to deliver classes as correspondence courses for the next three weeks. Core programming and school classes taught by MDOC staff will continue.
• Anyone entering facilities will be subject to enhanced screening prior to entering. This includes answering screening questions and having their temperatures taken. Anyone suspected of having symptoms will not be allowed in the facility.
• Outside contractors for substance abuse programming will be allowed inside and will be screened upon entry per the screening protocol. Attorney visits will continue to be authorized.
• The MDOC will continue to process paroles and release prisoners as scheduled, however, Parole Board lifer and commutation public hearings will be postponed.
• During this time, transfers of prisoners or staff between facilities will not be authorized without the approval of the Assistant Deputy Director or higher.
• Corrections Transportation Officers will be reassigned to facilities to augment custody staff as determined by Assistant Deputy Directors.
• Most construction projects have been placed on hold for 60 days. Each project will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• No out-of-state business travel will be allowed through May 15. All in-state business travel should be for essential matters only.
• Staff are encouraged to use phone calls, email and teleconferencing in place of in-person meetings when possible. Any necessary in-person meetings should be limited as much as possible and the size of the meeting should be reduced to allow for attendees to stay the recommended 6-foot distance apart.
• All facilities have received approval from the regional sanitation officer to use bleach during facility cleaning. Additional soap is being provided for prisoners and in the bathrooms. Cleaning products are available to clean commonly-used areas and phones before and after use.
• Facility healthcare staff will meet with prisoners who have presented with symptoms of coronavirus. The MDOC does not make the diagnosis of the coronavirus. The department is following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services protocol. If a prisoner has symptoms and meets the criteria for testing, the MDOC will seek permission from the local health department in the county the prison is in to conduct a test utilizing a test kit. A limited number of test kits have distributed to all MDOC facilities, but can only be used after the MDHHS authorizes the test.
• As the state works to limit the spread of the virus, we caution employees not to let fear lead to discriminatory actions against any individuals based on their disability, race or ethnicity. If you have experienced or witnessed discriminatory harassment or discrimination, we want you to know it will not be tolerated and we strongly encourage you to report it by calling the MDOC Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 1–800–326–4537, 517–335–3654.