Here are a number of key facts:
- As most of us know, individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to becoming seriously ill or death once contracting Covid-19. Given widespread historical drug and alcohol use etc, virtually all prisoners fall into this category.
- Contagious disease of any kind automatically spreads rapidly in any prison or jail given close living quarters and less than ideal hygiene opportunity (only non-alcohol-based cleaning agents are allowed inside). Most prisons are over capacity, and don't even afford the ability to practice "social distancing". If Covid-19 gets into a detention facility, it will most likely spread like wildfire.
- The health system available to prisoners is extremely sub-par. On a normal day without the existence of a crisis, it can take 2 weeks to see your doctor. And only if you have enough funds in your account. As an example, if you have an abscess tooth, the treatment plan available to you will be something like a Tylenol every 6 hours that you pay $6 / pill for.
- As we all deal with a toilet paper shortage "on the outside", imagine what it is like on the "inside". It's likely that many prisoners are running out of toilet paper.
- Inmates are already a fairly neglected segment of society. During a crisis, this fact is magnified. How many news articles have you seen outlining the unique risks prisoners face? Prisoners are unable to have any visitors whatsoever during this time, and they generally have very few people praying for them.
- As a barometer on how "at-risk" prisoners really are, consider Iran, who is well-known for their mistreatment and neglect of prisoners...temporarily released 54k prisoners recently to protect them from the covid-19 threat.
What can be done for these hurting people during this time?
- Pray, pray, pray! Pray for those who are saved and missing fellowship and Bible study normally conducted by outsiders. Pray for the lost prisoners who are likely very fearful, that this would cause them to open their eyes about their eternity and their need for the Savior
- Be a voice for the voiceless. Speak up about these issues to your brothers and sisters in Christ, and ask them to pray as well.