With lockups across the U.S. closed to visitors as the coronavirus runs amok inside, faith-based organizations have had to adapt and innovate to maintain their prison ministries.
Some are recording content for wide distribution behind bars.
Others are taping religious services and providing them to correction departments or mailing religious lessons and messages of inspiration directly to inmates.
Still others are supplying Bibles and other religious books and magazines for prison libraries.
One of the most ambitious and successful initiatives is Prison Fellowship's Floodlight.
Developed in March, it’s now in 43 states and reaching more than 400,000 inmates nationwide.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.