BOP resuming inmate visitation next month as cases climb at FCC

BOP resuming inmate visitation next month as cases climb at FCC

Test"..

You should "isolate" while waiting for the results.

There has been "a considerable increase" in covid-19 cases "at the federal correctional complex" in terre haute.

Meanwhile... "the federal bureau of prisons"..

Has announced..

It will soon resume "inmate visitation" after halting it "back in march".

We'll have more for you "on that change" in just a moment... but first... a look at the numbers.

"the federal bureau of prisons" is currently reporting "69"-"active inmate cases" " the united states penitentiary" in terre haute.

"11"-inmates and "2"-employees have recovered there.

"1"-inmate died earlier this year.

There are "50"-active inmate cases "at the federal correctional institute".

"2"-employees are also sick.

"1"-inmate and "5"-employees have recovered.

Numbers are "up" by a few dozen cases after a little more than a week-and-a-half.

News 10's..

"heather good"..

Has been following developments "at the federal correctional complex" in terre haute "since march".

She continues "our coverage now"..

With more..

On plans to resume "inmate visitation".

///// heather/on ca} the federal bureau of prisons plans to reinstate visitation for federal inmates next month at facilities just like these in terre haute.

The b-o-p stopped offering visitation back in march when it started logging covid-19 cases in other facilities.

This change comes as a relief to inmates and their families... but a union leader -- representing employees here -- says the bop is making a potentially dangerous mistake.

Vo of mem} this is the memo the b-o-p released august 31st.

It says "social visiting" will resume october 3rd.

The memo also says it will be up to wardens at each prison facility -- across the county -- to come up with their own plan... but -- it must be in line with b-o-p procedures.

Vo of priso} wardens -- like the one here in terre haute -- do not have a lot of time to come up with a plan.

They have to submit them for approval by september 18th.

It remains to be seen what exactly the plan will look like for the united states penitentiary... federal correctional institute... and the satellite prison camp in terre haute... but we do know the guidelines and procedures the b-o-p is mandating.

Fs on procedures } visits will be non-contact.

This means wardens will have to come up with a plan to install barriers -- such as plexiglass -- in visitation rooms... or... they'll have to ensure vistors and inmates stay a least 6 feet apart.

Fs on procedures } the bop wants wardens to come up with a plan that allows inmates at least 2-visits a month.

Fs on procedures } inmates in isolation or quarantine will not see visitors.

Visitors will be screened for covid-19 symptoms and must come with a face covering.

Fs of procedures } and... wardens will have to consider how they will make time for cleanings between visitors.

Heather/on ca} i spoke with a union leader representing employees here in terre haute.

He says reinstating inmate visitation right now is a mistake.

Fs of union rep statemen} vic rubinacci is the a-f-g-e local 7-20 first vice president.

He says he is concerned about the change calling it "a completely poor decision on behalf of the bop."

He says it will only "fuel the fire" by exposing staff and inmates to people from across the country.

Heather/on ca} inmates and families i've talked to say it has been very difficult these past several months without in-person visits.

They are welcoming this change but they are also closely monitoring covid-19 cases here... and calling on the b-o-p to release more inmates to home confinement as outlined by the u-s attorney general back in march.

In terre haute, heather good, news 10.

//////// "the storm "the storm team"..

Told "the