Dear COBA Members;

Updating the Coronavirus issue and where we are in our facility:  

The Union has received numerous calls and inquiries from our members about what the Dept is doing and what should they do in the event of a possible exposure. Please be aware that this issue is no different from any other Communicable Disease issue that we deal with on this job. Whether it is the Flu, Tuberculosis, AIDS, Chicken Pox, the Mumps etc. We have all been trained in the basics of Communicable Diseases and Universal Precautions. Coronavirus is no different.  

The Union is in daily communication with new Sheriff James Dzurenda, the County Execs Office, OEM and the Health Dept.

This is a fluid situation and new issues are addressed every day. We have exchanged ideas on how to mitigate exposure should anyone become infected or exposed to Covid-19.

In my last email I advised about the distribution of sanitizing equipment, dispensers, potential quarantine areas and available equipment.  

New to Report:

1. Re: Hand sanitizers that were distributed. Some questioned the lack of alcohol content and whether this product was effective on viruses. Alcohol based items were not distributed so that inmates are not able to  get in possession of any alcohol based product. From the manufacturer, and the Hackensack University Medical Center's Research Center, the sanitizers are in fact an anti-viral product not just anti-bacterial. Additionally, the disinfectant cleaner they distributed is specifically a "virucide".
   
2. All Dept vehicles are disinfected each morning at 6am by the Maint Dept. as directed by the new Sheriff. IF AN INMATE SUSPECTED OF INFECTION IS TRANPORTED IN A DEPT VEHICLE, YOU MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR AND ENSURE THAT VEHICLE IS DISINFECTED PRIOR TO BEING PUT BACK IN SERVICE FOR USE BY OTHER STAFF.
   
3. Re: The Visiting Unit, a Screening Questionnaire is to be used by staff before admitting anyone into the facility. Also, a nurse from medical has been assigned to the visiting units to assist in the process of questioning visitors. If individuals do not want to answer the questions or give the wrong answer they will be turned away.
   
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's) were delivered to the Dept today. OEM delivered 2500 N-95 masks, boxes of gloves and Tyvek suits. The suits should only be used for specific purposes, not general duties. If you are directed to transport any suspected or confirmed infection cases, the masks and gloves should be worn. If you are directed to take an inmate on a "run" for anything related to infection, or exposure, you should be given the proper protective equipment. If you are not, get them from your Supervisor before taking any prisoners anywhere.
   
5. A directive was issued today by Cmsr. Donahue stating that a supply of masks has been issued to each Supervisor in their respective areas and that a video regarding the proper use of these masks is being put on the Dept's Intranet. The Union is working on having this video shown at each lineup and each Officer is to be issued one of these masks.
   
6. The Dept will also be issuing individual hand sanitizers to each member of staff in short order.
   
7. The County's Infectious Disease Doctor has stated that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through the ventilation systems.
   
8. The Sheriff has directed that 4 Officers will be assigned on each 4-12 shift to perform Facility Cleaning tasks. Each Officer will be assigned 2 inmates, meaning there will be 2 crews working in both the North and South facilities daily for cleaning and disinfection duties.
   
9. We've been assured that the Medical Units have been working diligently, adhering to established protocols to mitigate this issue.
   
10. Should any Officer come in contact with a suspected case of this virus, as with any other potentially contagious disease, you should promptly submit an "Exposure Form" to the Dept through you area Supervisors.

The question of whether any infection or exposure will be covered under 207c or Workers Comp has been brought up numerous times. Please be aware, that any such case will be addressed on an individual basis. Any case of infection will be immediately referred to the Nassau County Health Dept. If that happens, an investigation will immediately commence to find out if you were infected from a source at the jail or if it was contracted from some outside source. This is Health Dept protocol.  

This is a lot of information to process, but I can relay that the Union has been pleased with the response from the Dept and the new Sheriff. He has addressed this type of issue in his previous employment and is addressing this head on here. He has expressed that he is open to any and all suggestions.  

We have made other suggestions to the County regarding medical assessments at intakes prior to any inmate being brought to our facility from Arraignment Court. We will advise on any progress with that.  

In closing remember, the Nassau County Sheriffs Dept Division of Correction is an "Essential Service" of Public Safety. Yes we have to report to work each day to protect the public in our capacity. This is all a part of the job we signed up for. No one wants to get ill or be exposed to dangers such as disease, but it is a part of working in Law Enforcement. Everyone needs to take the proper precautions when these issues surface, and no one should ever be put in a position of exposure without proper protections. If you have questions or concerns about the way any issues are being addressed, first and foremost CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR for direction and to make sure that they are aware of what the problem is. If the supervisor is not able to correct an issue brought to their attention, then contact the Union for followup.  

None of this is new and we will all get through this and on to the next issue. For now, protect yourself, protect your partners and remember that knowledge and the sharing of proper information is key to protecting us all. Stay away from rumors and hysterics that the media and certain individuals love feeding into these types of issues.  

Always In Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President