COVID-19: Fighting for Release & Better Conditions for People Detained in Prince George’s County Jail
Seth et al. v. McDonough
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., many of us protected ourselves by isolating in our homes. For the millions of people trapped in jails and prisons across the country, this was not an option. Even under normal conditions, jails are dangerous and unhealthy places. Overcrowding, unclean spaces, and inadequate access to healthcare make infectious disease spread like wildfire. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Civil Rights Corps, in partnership with a host of other organizations across the country, filed emergency lawsuits nationwide. Releasing people, especially those at the highest risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, is the fastest way to prevent more suffering. Additionally, we pushed for, at a minimum, jails & prisons take immediate steps to protect incarcerated people from the virus, by providing access to soap and basic hygiene, creating and maintaining social distancing, and adequately monitoring those with symptoms.
In Prince George’s County, we filed a lawsuit, alongside partners, seeking the release of medically-vulnerable people detained at the jail, as well as for the jail to adopt improved public health protocols. In 2021, both parties reached a settlement, securing important relief for the people detained in Prince George’s County.
Media Coverage:
Prince George’s jail must plan to test more inmates for covid-19, federal judge orders | Washington Post | May 11, 2020
Federal judge orders inspection of Pr. George’s jail after inmates worried about coronavirus sue | Washington Post | May 1, 2020
How Are Correctional Facilities in Maryland Dealing With the Coronavirus? | The Kojo Nnamdi Show | Apr 29, 2020
Partners:
Filings:
Complaint (Apr 21, 2020)
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