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COVID-19 Cases Jump In Massachusetts Prisons And Jails

There are more coronavirus infections reported in Massachusetts prisons.

In its most recent report to the State Supreme Judicial Court, the Department of Correction says there are now 41 active coronavirus cases among those incarcerated at the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. That's up from 29 cases reported there last week. A separate report says a dozen correction officers at Souza also have tested positive.

Two DOC prisoners are hospitalized with the virus.

The department says testing and screening continue throughout the agency.

Twenty-one DOC prisoners have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That number does not include at least two men who were granted medical parole shortly before they died from the disease.

The report to the SJC also says there are four active cases among those held in state jails and 11 jail correction officers are infected. That's up from one case each in mid-July. Three of the current active coronavirus cases among those held in jails are at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility, the other case is reported at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction.

The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office reported five positive cases in one housing unit Thursday. A statement from Sheriff Peter Koutoujian said movement in the housing unit has been modified and more testing will be done. Before Thursday, the Middlesex County Jail had just three positive cases among detainees since June 1.

This article was originally published on August 19, 2021.

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Deborah Becker Host/Reporter
Deborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education.

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