Economist Podcasts Life sentences? Prisons and covid-19
Mar 27, 2020
Adam Roberts, The Economist's Midwest correspondent, sheds light on the pressing issues within American prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how overcrowding exacerbates outbreaks. He discusses the urgent need for reform that prioritizes inmate safety. Meanwhile, Stanley Pignall, the European business and finance correspondent, delves into the debate over what constitutes essential industries amid lockdowns, showcasing real-life impacts on workers. They both share personal stories and highlight the innovative ways people cope during this challenging time.
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Prisons as Disease Incubators
- Prisons are disease incubators, worsened by overcrowding and shared spaces, as highlighted by Rafael Rowe's experiences.
- The close proximity facilitates rapid disease spread, posing a threat to both inmates and the wider community due to staff contact.
Reduce Prison Populations
- Release vulnerable inmates, such as the elderly and sick, to mitigate COVID-19 risks in prisons.
- Consider releasing low-risk offenders to reduce prison populations and enable physical distancing.
Spanish Flu in San Quentin
- During the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, prisons like San Quentin became virus epicenters.
- Within two months, 500 out of 1900 inmates were infected, highlighting prisons' vulnerability to outbreaks.