Newport Prison Outbreak

"A total of 129 inmates and 10 staff members had been infected at the prison, but no inmates were symptomatic as of Wednesday night [March 3, 2021], Baker said. Baker called the outbreak a 'crisis' and said the department is taking an 'all hands on deck' approach to prevent further spread of the virus. Additional medical staff and mental health counselors have been called into the facility that houses about 350 inmates, he said."

On Friday, March 12, Orleans County Judge Gregory Rainville ruled that inmates could not be released from the prison to avoid contracting the virus. On March 15, 19 new Covid cases were detected at Newport prison, bringing total to 164.

Alan J. Keays, vtdigger

March 4, 2021