Thread by @Ajzionts

Thread on what's happening inside the South Dakota women's prison after an inmate tested positive for COVID-19. My story is based on interviews with two inmates and five mothers:

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https://twitter.com/RCJournal/status/1242956201413017600

Multiple sources say the inmate who tested positive recently cleaned the empty Capitol building and is now isolated in a solitary confinement cell ... making others afraid to report symptoms since they don't want to go to solitary

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Women who feel sick are scared to tell staff because they're "afraid of being thrown in the hole," an inmate said.

A mother said her daughter isn't feeling well "but doesn’t want to say anything," because if she's put in solitary, she won't be able to call her.

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State won't confirm the woman is in solitary or where she worked. A spokeswoman said the DOH notifies everyone who comes into close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, and that if it was concerned about a possible mass exposure, it would issue a news release
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3 sources said that for the past few days, 200+ min-security inmates have had to spend ~8 a day in a visitor's room while construction work happens. It's unclear if this has stopped.

“It’s like elbow to elbow for eight hours" ... “crammed together like bunch of sardines"

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As I previously reported, nine women ran away from the min-security unit, where the inmate tested positive for COVID-19.

rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/cri…

A fellow inmate said they ran b/c they were scared of getting the virus.

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A woman who recently spoke with her former foster daughter said she doesn't condone the escape but hopes it's "recognized as an early warning of the volume of emotions that have been stirred and the level of fear that exists."

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The warden resigned a day after it was announced that an inmate tested positive for COVID-19 + the 9 women ran away.

Multiple sources say some COs/staff aren't showing up, so some COs have been working for more than 24 hours. State won't confirm.

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rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/war…

This was my first timing granting anonymity in a story. My editors+I agreed they could be punished for speaking out+their voices needed to be heard. I was extra careful not to ask leading questions. The people had nuanced comments+corroborated some of the biggest facts.

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I'm also very interested in speaking w/ SD jail/prison staff+first responders about how they're feeling about #COVIDー19

You can DM or call 605-394-8419.

I will need to confirm your position (like seeing a badge) but u can b anonymous in the story if u fear retribution.

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