Topics Related to COVID-19

Prisons Leadership Initiates Increased COVID-19 Testing at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is increasing its efforts to contain and reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (NCCIW) in Raleigh. A testing operation occurred at five dorms in one housing unit over the weekend, testing all 161 offenders in the Canary Unit. 

A report of test results verified today indicated a total of 70 offenders at the facility have tested positive; a majority of those are showing no symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

Governor Cooper, State Education Leaders: Remote Learning To Continue Through End of 2019-2020 School Year

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that North Carolina K-12 public schools will continue remote learning through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Cooper was joined by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson and the Chair of the State Board of Education Eric Davis for the announcement. 

Offender at Neuse Correctional Institution Dies of COVID-19 April 23

An offender housed at Neuse Correctional Institution who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at the hospital as a result of pre-existing conditions complicated by COVID-19. This is the second coronavirus death of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison.“Any death is a tragedy, and we are doing our best to try and flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Prisons,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “The health and safety of the staff and the men and women in our custody is of the utmost importance.”

Governor Extends Stay At Home Order Through May 8, Plans Three Phase Lifting of Restrictions Based on Virus Trends

 Governor Roy Cooper today issued Executive Order No. 135 extending North Carolina’s Stay At Home order through May 8. The orders extending closure of restaurants for dine-in service and bars and closure of other close-contact businesses are also extended through May 8. 

Governor Cooper shared details about North Carolina’s plan to lift restrictions in three phases once the data show that key metrics are headed in the right direction. 

First Offender in State Prison Custody Dies of COVID-19

An offender housed at Pender Correctional Institution who tested positive for COVID-19 has died at the hospital as a result of pre-existing conditions complicated by COVID-19. This is the first coronavirus death of an individual in custody at a North Carolina state prison. 

“Any death is a tragedy, and we must continue our efforts to do all we can to try and flatten the curve of COVID-19 in Prisons,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “The health and safety of the staff and the men and women in our custody is of paramount importance.”

Workgroup Supports Food Chain Supply During COVID-19 Pandemic

North Carolina Emergency Management and its State Emergency Response Team partners have formed a Food Supply Chain Working Group to address food production and distribution issues across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help ensure all North Carolinians are fed. 
 
“A critical part of staying healthy during this pandemic is having enough to eat,” said Governor Roy Cooper.  “We need to make sure the food supply chain remains strong and safe for everyone.”
 

Prisons Temporarily Suspends Operations at One Prison to Bring Relief to the Staff at Neuse Correctional

Due to the outbreak at one prison facility, the NC Division of Prisons temporarily suspended operations at another state prison facility and strategically transferred offenders in consultation with state health experts. To support operations at the coronavirus-impacted Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, Prisons moved offenders out of Johnston Correctional Institution and reassigned staff to Neuse CI.

NC Guard Parachute Riggers Sew Masks for fellow Guardsmen COVID-19 response

NC National Guard’s 403rd Quarter Master Rigger Support Team, based at Simmons Army Airfield on Fort Bragg, is supporting their fellow Guardsmen by manufacturing protective masks for all NC Army and Air Guard members on NC COVID-19 response duty.

Prisons Leadership Takes Proactive Approach to COVID-19 Outbreak at Neuse Correctional Institution

The North Carolina Division of Prisons is increasing its efforts to contain and reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro. In a proactive and aggressive approach to protect staff and offenders, prison officials have initiated the testing of all 700 offenders at the facility, as well as providing access to tests for staff who wish to be tested.

Pandemic Prompts Department of Public Safety to Transition Some Offenders to Supervision in the Community

In response to the unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety today announced it is taking an extraordinary measure to help reduce the spread of the virus in prison facilities. The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice last week transitioned the first individuals who will continue to serve their sentence in the community.