DOC COVID-19 Action Plan

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DOC IS TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT STAFF AND PEOPLE IN CUSTODY:


The Department is committed to protecting the health and safety of those living and working in our facilities. Since the outbreak began, we have been preparing our facilities and our staff to safely and effectively manage this extraordinary challenge. Working in conjunction with our medical service partner, Correctional Health Services (CHS), the Department has taken and will take the following steps to protect people in custody and our staff against COVID-19.

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Personal Protective Equipment: In accordance with national and local guidelines, all staff and all persons in custody are provided and instructed to wear face masks.

Staff access to COVID-19 testing
All DOC and CHS personnel, both uniformed and non-uniformed, have regular access to free testing. In addition to testing available to all DOC and CHS staff through Northwell Health Urgent Care sites, the Department is now offering free testing on Rikers Island multiple times per week. The Department strongly encourages all staff to get tested frequently to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Staff can register for on-island testing through an online portal or phone hotline to schedule an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are also accepted.


Protecting Vulnerable Populations
DOC and CHS have taken precautions to identify and protect those who may be at high risk of a serious course of illness from COVID-19. These precautions include placement in dedicated housing units for distinct populations:


  • Housing units for high-risk individuals: Individuals who may be at higher risk of serious course of illness from COVID-19 have been cohorted in dedicated housing units, housed in a type of unit that already provides an increased level of seperation from the general population, or housed in a type of unit that provides access to increased clinical attention.

  • Housing for people who are symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19: DOC reopened the Eric M. Taylor Center for newly admitted individuals showing symptoms and to expand capacity for housing and separation of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Additional units have been dedicated for the same purpose within Rose M. Singer Center for female detainees.



Public Health Emergency Report

Local law 59 of 2020 requires the Department and CHS to issue reports during public health emergencies and post certain portions of the report on their website.

Timeline of Significant Events related to COVID-19
• CHS City Council Local Law 59 Reports