Counties With State Prisons Had Higher COVID Cases

Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 -- 2:00 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) Wisconsin researchers have found the presence of a state prison in a county was associated with more COVID-19 cases.

According to a new study from the UW-Madison, 11 percent more COVID-19 cases occurred through July 1, 2020 in U.S. counties with state prisons. Many of the cases were likely due to the spread of COVID-19 within those correctional facilities.

However, researchers estimate that 95,000 cases and more than 3,300 deaths across the U.S., the majority of the prison-associated cases, were due to spillover into surrounding communities.

Study authors say counties with prisons should prepare for future outbreaks by prioritizing the health of both prisoners and residents of nearby communities. 

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