Department of Corrections announces process to begin reopening state prisons
SCI-Greene and SCI-Fayette are two of 25 prisons across the state that began reopening last week, state Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said during a recent media call.
Wetzel outlined a five-level process for prisons, with Level 5 being the most restrictive and Level 1 being the least.
In a release, Wetzel further explained specifically, as counties move from red to yellow to green phases of reopening, state prisons will be gradually increasing the number of inmates allowed out at one time, and programs and religious services will slowly transition from cell-based, back to smaller gatherings to ensure social distancing.
Successful movement to lower levels will depend on whether there are any new confirmed COVID-19 positive cases among staff or inmates, Wetzel said.
One employee at the state prison in Waynesburg was diagnosed with COVID-19, and has recovered, according to state records.
“The designation of the county in which the prison is located also plays a role in determining the appropriate level of reopening,” Wetzel said.
SCI-Greene and SCI-Fayette joined the following prisons that reopened in Level 3 May 26: Albion, Benner Township, Cambridge Springs, Forest, Houtzdale, Laurel Highlands, Mercer, Muncy, Pine Grove, Quehanna, Rockview and Somerset.
Inmates in Level 3 facilities are permitted to have gatherings with 20 people or fewer; treatment and educational services may occur on-unit with groups practicing social distancing; medications can be distributed at medical services, and medical services are allowed to be on unit where possible; meals may be served in dining halls with smaller groups; and work detail will be permitted in small groups.
Other Level 3 allowances include: law and leisure library services will be open with cohort and social distancing limitations; attorney visits and video visitation will be permitted; religious activities may resume in the chapel with cohort and social distancing limitations; and unit activity – including yard, showers and phones – will be permitted.
Barber shop and cosmetology services and use of the gymnasium will not be permitted until facilities reach Levels 1 and 2.
In-person visits remain suspended at all state prisons until the entire state has reached the green designation, Wetzel said.
Wetzel added the following facilities in Pennsylvania were moved to Level 4 May 26: Camp Hill, Chester, Coal Township, Dallas, Frackville, Huntingdon, Mahanoy, Phoenix, Retreat, Smithfield and Waymart.
A chart completely detailing the levels and their respective restrictions and allowances may be found at visiting www.cor.pa.gov.
Wetzel added a COVID-19 testing strategy has been initiated that includes, in part, testing of all transfers within the DOC, all individuals who are to be released from the DOC and all new commitments from county jails. DOC officials are drafting reentry and parole supervision demobilization plans and expect to finalize them in June, he said.
“As the governor reopens Pennsylvania, we, too, must return to a more normal operation, and get back to preparing individuals to successfully reenter society,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of our staff who have worked tirelessly to slow the spread of this virus, and it’s time to move forward with caution.
“While we may never return to pre-COVID operations, we do expect to return to near normal operations that includes social distancing and continued monitoring of staff and inmates for symptoms,” he continued. “We believe in acting quickly and aggressively when responding to this virus, while affording more out-of-cell time and allowing inmates to return to work, education, programming and activities.”
Wetzel said the statewide lockdown in March was a smart strategy, and since then, DOC officials have continued to meet with health experts and representatives from the state Department of Health and Gov. Tom Wolf’s office to discuss when the facilities could begin moving forward.
“We’ve learned a lot since this started, and we’re continuing to learn … this has led to this updated demobilization strategy, which we anticipate will help mitigate risks,” he said.