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A Resolution requesting the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Corrections to identify and segregate incarcerated persons who are at a high risk of complications associated with COVID-19.
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WHEREAS, statistics show that COVID-19 outbreaks tend to occur at facilities where persons are living in close quarters; and
WHEREAS, according information provided by the Equal Justice Initiative, persons who are incarcerated are infected by COVID-19 at a rate that is more than five times higher than the nation’s overall infection rate; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that incarcerated persons are already at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to crowded dormitories, shared lavatory facilities, the daily entry and exit of staff members, and the continual introduction of newly incarcerated or detained persons; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Cluster Data maintained by the Metropolitan Department of Health shows five outbreaks at correctional facilities in Davidson County: 22 cases in April at the Metro Jail, 75 cases in June at the Metro jail, 62 cases in September at the state DeBerry Special Needs Facility, 60 cases in September at the Riverbend Maximum Security Prison, and 216 cases in September at the Debra Johnson Rehab/Tennessee Prison for Women; and
WHEREAS, the CDC has also determined that certain populations are at a higher risk for complications resulting from a COVID-19 infection. This includes older adults; persons with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and heart conditions; and women who are pregnant; and
WHEREAS, based upon the data showing that incarcerated persons are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, it is appropriate that all reasonable measures be taken to ensure incarcerated persons who are at a higher risk of complications associated with COVID-19 are kept separate for the general population during this pandemic to the greatest extent possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Department of Corrections to identify and segregate incarcerated persons who are at a high risk of complications associated with COVID-19.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution Sheriff Daron Hall and to Tony Parker, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.