40% of South Middlesex Correctional Center’s 29 inmates, plus five staff, have COVID-19
40% OF SOUTH MIDDLESEX CORRECTIONAL CENTER’S 29 INMATES, PLUS FIVE STAFF, HAVE COVID-19
Jan 5, 2021
MetroWest Daily News
By Jeannette Hinkle
FRAMINGHAM — Twelve inmates and five staff members at South Middlesex Correctional Center in Framingham have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Framingham Health Department.
The number of affected inmates represents about 41% of the prison’s total of 29.
South Middlesex Correctional Center, on Western Avenue, is a minimum security and pre-release prison that houses women criminally sentenced at the state and county level.
Framingham Health Director Alexandra DePalo said the city doesn’t have additional information on the outbreak, as South Middlesex Correctional Center is managed by the Department of Correction.
In comparison to recent infections reported at the prison, though, the numbers are worrying, she said.
“These numbers are more concerning than usual,” DePalo said.
In a statement to the Daily News, DOC spokesperson Jason Dobson said the department remains “keenly focused on the health and safety” of those in its care as prisons and jails await the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines.