The Intelligence from The Economist Life sentences? Prisons and covid-19
Mar 27, 2020
Adam Roberts, the Midwest correspondent for The Economist, uncovers how COVID-19 has turned American prisons into hotspots, pushing for essential reforms to protect inmates. Stanley Pignall, the European business correspondent, discusses the varied definitions of key industries during lockdowns, revealing the challenges faced by essential workers. Both guests highlight the urgent need for change in the prison system and share personal anecdotes on navigating lockdown life, from cooking to dog training.
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Prisons as Disease Incubators
- Prisons are disease incubators, especially with overcrowding.
- COVID-19 poses a severe threat, prompting calls for inmate release.
Overcrowding in Philippines Prisons
- Rafael Rowe, who presents "Inside the World's Toughest Prisons," describes the Philippines' prisons.
- Inmates sleep in "spoon position" due to extreme overcrowding, highlighting the disease risk.
Reduce Prison Populations
- Release vulnerable inmates, like the elderly and sick.
- Reduce prison populations to enable physical distancing.