Correctional Employee Wellness Monograph

Impact of COVID-19 on Correctional Staff Wellness

A s COVID-19 began to spread across the globe, congregate housing facilities were especially at risk for rampant transmission. Many businesses and services transitioned employees to remote work to limit the spread of the virus but those working in corrections had no such liberty. As CDC guidelines suggested implementing safety

workplace encounters brief and sleeping in campers or cars, away from their family. However, a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the CDC shows even brief encounters in corrections — those within six feet of proximity but fewer than 15 minutes in length, such as medication administration at a cell door — could not contain the virus. 2 Faced with little to no choice but

protocols such as virtual court, verbal screenings and temperature checks and increased disinfecting practices, the already numerous duties of the corrections officer only increased. 32 Even with limited inmate transfers, medi- cal isolations and frequent use of personal protective equipment by both staff and

continue to selflessly serve for the safety of our nation, 260 correctional employees have tragically died due to COVID-19 over the past year. 37 The average number of correctional employee deaths per year is 11. 6 With additional duties and longer hours, high risk of exposure, and the pres- sure to limit contact with coworkers and family,

The importance of accessible, quality and comprehensive wellness support for correctional employees is more evident now than ever.

inmates, the spread of COVID-19 through correctional settings could not be stopped. 1-33 Outbreaks became common in facilities across the county. 2-34 In one state, mass testing revealed 73% of inmates tested positive for COVID-19. 3 In another, 64% of inmates tested positive. 3 “Once it’s in the institution, it’s too late. It’s like a brush fire.” remarked one correctional officer. 35 Correctional officers were encouraged to stay home when sick, leave the shift if symptoms devel- oped while on duty and work revised duties if at an increased risk for severe illness. 1 Leaving the number of staff on shift often below the necessary threshold, many had to work double shifts multiple days in a row or even return to work earlier than physician and CDC recommendations advised. 36 Many tried to limit their exposure and transmission possibility by keeping

correctional officers feel similar pressures to health- care workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. 4 Many correctional employees agree, “We don’t call ourselves ‘essential.’We call ourselves ‘sacrificial’.” 4 Managing traumatic stress reactions, such as the uncertainty and responsibilities correctional employees face during the pandemic, is crucial to maintaining a high level of resiliency according to “The Psychology of CO- VID–19”. 7 Utilizing stress management techniques, increasing social support, practicing healthy lifestyle choices and identifying mental health resources are recommended ways correctional employees can sup- port themselves while working through the COVID-19 pandemic. 38-39 The importance of accessible, quality and comprehensive wellness support for correctional employees is more evident now than ever.

Background image: istock/RomoloTavani

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