🚨READ: The 2 health chairs for NY Assembly & Senate demanded colleagues stop reckless & cruel efforts to repeal bail reform. "With the spread of COVID-19, increased pre-trial detention is a massive health risk for those in jail, families & communities, & jail & court personnel." 
"You might ask: Why are the Health Chairs writing on bail reform? We are deeply concerned by the potential health impacts of rolling back bail reform under ‘normal’ circumstances, let alone during a worldwide epidemic.”
“Jails are uniquely intensive breeding grounds for contagious diseases. Social distancing is virtually impossible in the close quarters of a jail. Hand sanitizer is normally banned as contraband (due to alcohol content) and access to soap...is limited.”
“People in jail have disproportionate rates of chronic illnesses that make them vulnerable to COVID-19. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, 40% of incarcerated people suffer from chronic health conditions, including 20% w/ asthma (vs 11% in the general population).”
Horrific jail conditions aren't anything new: “Health care in New York’s prisons and jails is inadequate even without an epidemic, with at least 50 preventable deaths in New York State in five years from lack of adequate medical care.”
“People with diseases like the flu or COVID-19 are much more likely to die if they have underlying health conditions or if they do not get prompt medical care.” Most people who come to jail have underlying health conditions. No one in NY jails gets "prompt medical care."
“‘Jail churn’ means that viruses have thousands of opportunities to spread both inside jails and when individuals return back to their communities. But bail reform means nearly 7,000 fewer New Yorkers being held in county jails on any given day.”
“New Yorkers need investments in health care, housing, and other services in order to combat this epidemic – not to put more people in jail.”
Thank you @DickGottfried & @NYSenatorRivera for moral clarity in this public health crisis. Take note: @NYGovCuomo & @NYSenDems
Thank you @DickGottfried & @NYSenatorRivera for moral clarity in this public health crisis. Take note: @NYGovCuomo & @NYSenDems
