Daily Update: Critical COVID-19 Information, Remembering Parole Agent Verlynda Winston and Officer Boatman, Test Results for November 10

Michigan Department of Corrections sent this bulletin at 11/10/2020 09:00 PM EST

Critical Information About COVID-19

We are at a serious and crucial crossroads as we deal with COVID-19.

We are now in a position we have not been in since this pandemic began more than eight months ago

Every facility now has a positive case with either prisoners or staff members. This means we are testing every prisoner and every employee at every facility. At some facilities, we have hundreds of active cases.

Some local hospitals have said their already limited hospital beds are full.

We have had more than 200 employees test positive across the state in the last seven days and more than 814 prisoners test positive in the same time period as well.

We know people are growing tired of the warnings and urgings to wear their mask and remain socially distant, but now is not the time to become lax. We must remain vigilant.

Wearing a mask saves lives. When you a wear a mask, you are keeping those around you safe, both at home and at work. So please, wear a mask!

Today there were 6,473 positive cases reported in the community, from all regions of the state.

This is serious and needs to be treated by all us as such.

We need to do our part to reduce the spread, ease the strain on local hospitals and keep our fellow citizens and the offenders we supervise safe.

Statewide Cases

As the number of new cases continue to rise dramatically, it is more important than ever for everyone to remain vigilant and continue to take steps to help break the chain of infection and slow the spread, both while at work and while in the community.

You can find more information at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus

Prisoner Cases

On November 10, there were 19 positive cases and zero negative results to report.

*Results are downloaded each afternoon and are reported after they are added into the medical record following receipt of information from labs.

You can also find a full listing of cumulative testing and total results by facility here.

By the Numbers

*These represent total prisoner cases statewide.

The 19 positive cases included:

Newberry Correctional - 10

Alger Correctional - 5

Central Michigan Correctional - 3

Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance - 1

There were no negative results to report today.

Staff Cases

There were 9 positive staff cases to report today. Positive cases included:

Earnest C. Brooks Correctional - 2

Kinross Correctional - 2

Central Michigan Correctional - 1

Ionia Correctional - 1

Kinross Regional Office - 1*

Richard A. Handlon Correctional - 1

Saginaw Correctional - 1

*The Kinross Regional Office employee had been working remotely.

Remembering Parole Agent Verlynda Winston

We are sad to report the loss of Lincoln Park Parole Agent Verlynda Winston.

She lost her life in an early morning accident when she was struck by another vehicle.

Verlynda began her career with the MDOC in 1996 as a corrections officer at Western Wayne Correctional Facility. She promoted to sergeant in 2001 and then moved to FOA in 2003 as a parole/probation agent in Region II.

In 2007, she transferred to Detroit Reentry Center and three years ago, she was a guest on the Field Days podcast, where she talked about her involvement with the WRAP program at that facility. You can listen to her interview here.

She began working at the Lincoln Park Parole Office in June.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her coworkers and her family in this difficult time.

Remembering Corrections Officer Terry Boatman, Jr.

It is with deep sadness we also report that Lakeland Correctional Facility Corrections Officer Terry Boatman, Jr. lost his battle with a long-term illness.

Funeral services for officer Boatman will take place Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the South Litchfield Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Litchfield.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield. Face coverings and social distancing are required for indoor gatherings.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Epilepsy Foundation.

We will be focused on providing support to those in the department affected by the loss of both Agent Winston and Officer Boatman. Please know that help is always available through the department’s Wellness Unit by contacting 833-DCBWELL (833-322-9355) or mdoc-wellness@michigan.gov.

We'd like to send our thanks today to the military servicemembers and veterans at Detroit Detention Center.

Veterans including Corrections Officers Roger Carter, Morris Hawkins, Lamont Adams and Clyde Lewis and Sgt. Bernard Cox were recognized by DDC Department Manager Jeff Allison with military pins as a token of appreciation for their dedication to our country.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

Field Days Podcast: Celebrating Veterans Day with MVAA Director Adams

The newest episode of Field Days launched today with special guest, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Zaneta Adams!

Director Adams was medically discharged with honor after serving eight years with the U.S. Army, National Guard and Reserve, and now leads the MVAA in their mission to provide support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families.

Director Adams joins Chris Gautz and Greg Straub to talk about the MDOC's status as a Silver Veteran Friendly Employer, and what we can all do to help support veterans and active duty service members. Click here, or on the image, to listen.

To learn more about Director Adams and the MVAA, visit: www.michiganveterans.com/

Important Reminder: Contact Information Updates

As required by the Department of Corrections Employee Handbook – (#9 – Personal Information) – current telephone numbers and home addresses must be on file at the Human Resources Office and work location for all MDOC employees. Such information is necessary for when an employee must be contacted by Human Resources or the work location. To ensure that you have updated and accurate telephone number and home address, please visit MI HR Self Service at the following link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/0,4614,7-147-64549---,00.htm l

If you wish to update your telephone number or home address, please click here for instructions.

Testing Schedule for Correctional Facilities

The Department of Health and Human Services issued an emergency public health order on Aug. 19 requiring COVID-19 testing of all staff at any facilities that have a positive staff or prisoner case.

In connection with the emergency public health order, the MDOC has started a system of testing for staff at facilities where positive prisoner or staff cases have emerged. The MDOC also continues to conduct prisoner testing at facilities where there have been recent positive prisoner or staff cases.

A testing schedule has been developed for November and can be viewed by clicking here .

Employees must continue to obtain testing weekly until 14 days after the last confirmed positive case at the facility. Employees can receive testing in the community or utilize the free, on-site testing the MDOC will provide each week the order applies at a facility. If you chose to obtain testing in the community rather than utilize the free on-site testing the facility provides, please be advised your insurance may not cover the cost of the test. You will not be reimbursed for any costs related to community testing, as the department is providing it for free. Self-tests are not a permissible option.

You can find answers to many questions you may have about this MDHHS emergency public health order here. If you have additional questions, you can send them to AskMDOC@michigan.gov.

Those who need information about testing locations in their area, can find community testing locations here. Community testing information is also available in the New Community Testing Opportunities section of this message.

Community Testing Opportunities

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with community organizations to launch Neighborhood Testing Sites where testing will be free and hosted by trusted community partners including churches, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations. A total of 21 sites have started testing in Albion, Benton Harbor, Detroit, Ecorse, Flint, Grand Rapids, Graying, Lansing, Niles, Roseville, Saginaw and Wayne. For details on sites currently open and more information on community testing, click here.

Testing for COVID-19 remains critical and Michigan has significantly ramped up testing for COVID-19, with many testing sites across the state.

Visit the State of Michigan's Coronavirus No Cost Testing page for a list of other no cost testing locations.

To search for all testing locations near you, use the COVID-19 Test Finder page to search for all available testing sites by address.

Important Mask and Social Distancing Reminder

Something as simple as wearing a mask can help us significantly reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, so this is an important reminder to please wear your mask and wear it properly.

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact, and wearing a mask can not only help prevent an asymptomatic carrier from infecting others, but it adds an extra layer of protection between you and others.

Masks must cover your mouth and nose and secure under your chin. A face covering that does not fit properly may not protect you and those around you.

Everyone should also keep in mind the need to practice social distancing and to stay six feet apart whenever possible. The department continues to urge you to not gather in unnecessary small or large groups.

Also, wearing a mask does not mean you can now stand closer to individuals or for longer periods of time. You still need to practice social distancing, even while wearing your mask. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Please remember to wash your hands and ensure common surfaces are cleaned often.

Check out information from the CDC and find more helpful tips here.

Reminders

The department will provide further information as it becomes available.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Information about steps the MDOC is taking in response to the virus, as well as a chart with the current number of prisoners and staff who have tested positive is available here.