The way this facility is trying to stop the spread of COVID-19 or take precautions is ridiculous. FMWCC might as well have a sign posted outside the facility that says, “Welcome COVID-19 and thank you for stopping by.”

The facility will post memos about everything else, but the facility won’t post a memo saying a staff had it or has a significant other who works at another prison where an inmate or inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. But they will post a memo stating, “The center has been temporarily closed. It will reopen when it is safe to do so. This is for precautionary measures only!” The question still remains, why was it closed? What led them to close it in the first place?

Canteen workers were quarantined and you mean to tell me it’s not because there was a possibility that it was within the facility? Okay who is foolin’ who here? A memo should have been posted stating COVID-19 might possibly be residing here momentarily. How will the facility know when canteens are safe to open? Are specialists being called in to test the products or the air?

As I am writing this essay, the assistant warden comes in to give a COVID-19 update. After a week of canteen workers being quarantined, the assistant warden states, “Nobody in this facility has COVID-19.” He also stated that he will be enforcing stricter rules for COs and staff working there to ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t come to this facility.

I feel that all staff working here and COs should have to wear masks to prevent anything from being spread just in case they have it and may not be showing signs at the moment. That would be taking precautionary measures. Make mask-wearing mandatory because it’s the staff that I’m concerned will bring it to the facility. Otherwise there is no way inmates could get it.

I know I can’t. I don’t leave the facility, and nobody comes to visit me. It’s nice to finally see that the assistant warden is stepping up.

Submitted on April 3, 2020.