NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Native leaders are taking goal at Mayor Bill de Blasio and urging the incoming Adams administration to handle the COVID surge on Rikers Island.
Greater than half of these incarcerated are unvaccinated, placing them at extreme danger because the Omicron variant spreads, CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported Thursday.
The Division of Correction has already sounded the alarm: if the COVID an infection charge is surging throughout town, it’s hovering exponentially on Rikers.
The positivity charge has gone from 9.5% Monday to 17.4% Tuesday to 21.5% Wednesday.
“This mayor, even in the course of this acute scenario, has not proven the kind of management and urgency that’s wanted,” stated Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
Williams and different stakeholders are trying previous de Blasio, who has every week left in workplace.
“What we’re seeing to date with Omicron, intense surge however much less impression. So that doesn’t recommend doing issues the way in which we did it final yr,” de Blasio stated, bucking the issues of his personal Division of Correction commissioner, who despatched a letter to judges and attorneys pleading for the discharge of some detainees awaiting trial.
Advocates echoed that request.
READ MORE: Mayor-Elect Adams Names Louis Molina Next Department Of Correction Commissioner
“Who’re over 50, who’re weak, who don’t have to be held awaiting trial are launched now earlier than they catch COVID and earlier than they die,” stated City Council Member & Comptroller-elect Brad Lander.
Lower than half of all detainees are absolutely vaccinated. That’s why advocates are calling on Mayor-elect Eric Adams to sort out decades-old issues.
“We’d like new focus and new concepts to get us out of this downside,” stated Stan German, govt director of Neighborhood Defender Providers.
Stress from lawmakers and advocates motivated adjustments prior to now. However the scenario stays about life and loss of life – and everybody’s paying for it.
“Over $500,000 per yr, per individual that we incarcerate awaiting trial. Boy, if we will’t save individuals’s lives from COVID, one thing’s flawed,” stated Lander.
The main focus isn’t just on the subsequent mayor. It’s on the subsequent Metropolis Council, too. New members stated the altering of the guard will make Rikers a precedence and the Division of Correction ought to count on extra scrutiny and oversight.
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In it’s last report of 2021, the federal monitor overseeing the disaster outlined the place the Adams administration ought to start when making an attempt to overtake the troubled jail advanced. It known as for enhancing safety and employees accountability.
