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Our View: Prison workers on front lines as well

There’s been an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility, and that’s raised a few eyebrows around here. Not just prisoners are affected, staff also have been infected.

We know from the Department of Corrections spokesperson that employees at the prison have contracted the coronavirus, and two were hospitalized, with one still there.

We know that prison employees go home after their shifts, potentially spreading the virus into the community.

We also know that fear of contracting the virus has caused anxiety, fear, and negative reactions from some members of the public toward employees of the prison.

We encourage people to treat these employees with compassion and understanding when we see them out in public. While it’s important to be safe and protect ourselves from contracting the virus, please remember that prison employees also live in the community have loved ones in the community, and have a sincere interest in not spreading the disease.

Be assured that prison staff are instructed to follow Minnesota Department of Health and the federal CDC protocols and have been trained in those techniques, to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of those around them. Those protocols include removal of work clothing and sanitizing after work shifts in the prison, so when you see them in public with their uniforms on, they are hopefully on their way to work, not coming home.

And, we know these people are entrusted with keeping the prison safe and secure, at no small risk to their own safety and health. We hope the Minnesota Department of Corrections is doing everything it can to look after them as well.

So, when we see a prison employee, be kind. They’re scared too. You don’t have to give them a hug … or even a handshake. But some appreciation, from at least 6 feet away, is appropriate.

 
 
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