SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Correctional Staff in the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Am J Public Health. 2021 Jun;111(6):1164-1167. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306237. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Abstract

Objectives. To examine SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) epidemiology and risk factors among Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff in the United States.Methods. We calculated the SARS-CoV-2 case rate among 37 640 BOP staff from March 12 to June 17, 2020, using payroll and COVID-19-specific data. We compared occupational factors among staff with and without known SARS-CoV-2 using multiple logistic regression, controlling for demographic characteristics. We calculated relative risk among staff in stand-alone institutions versus complexes (> 1 institution).Results. SARS-CoV-2 was reported by 665 staff across 59.8% of institutions, a case rate of 1766.6 per 100 000. Working in dorm-style housing and in detention centers were strong risk factors, whereas cell-based housing was protective; these effects were erased in complexes. Occupational category was not associated with SARS-CoV-2.Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection was more likely among staff working in institutions where physical distancing and limiting exposure to a consistent set of staff and inmates are challenging.Public Health Implications. Mitigation strategies-including augmented staff testing, entry and exit testing among inmates, limiting staff interactions across complexes, and increasing physical distancing by reducing occupancy in dorm-style housing-may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections among correctional staff.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health / standards*
  • Prisons*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification*
  • Social Isolation
  • United States / epidemiology