#CagingCOVID: Stopping the Spread Behind Bars

While the world is trying to flatten the curve of a pandemic without end in sight, U.S. prisons and detention centers continue to be COVID-19 hotspots, warehousing millions and failing to make the substantial populations reductions needed to create conditions of social distance.

#CagingCOVID is a campaign to shine a light on mass incarceration in a time of a public health crisis, and apply pressure to use parole, clemency and decarceration at local and federal levels to stop the spread of the virus behind bars.

Use this form to report Covid related conditions inside

 

Call our 24 hour hotline to tell us your story about Covid-19 and incarceration at 910-604-6519

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

Michael Powell Jr. - Marion Correctional Institution

Michael Powell Jr. speaking from Marion Correctional Institution about how COVID has impacted life inside. He touches on the cramped conditions and lack of recreation due to lockdown, and worries about how this will affect tensions.

Video Submission by, Michael Powell Jr.
Transcript:

Yeah, we’re on complete lockdown. So, even that little bit of recreation that we had, that chance to get outside, to get away from people, is now dead. Like, we’re just in here; look: (Powell ducks to show a cramped, crowded room).

— All day. 
And, you know, guys is coughing, and just…it’s just no way to escape it, really. So if this is the last one you see me in, bruh, know that I love you, you know what I’m sayin’? Like, heh, not to sound like that, but s***! It’s real.

But,  you know, I’ll call you later, man. We’ll talk about it; we’ll discuss some stuff.

Have a story to tell? Add your story