Incarcerated people are one of the most vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic. There are varying perspectives regarding how to address the health care barriers seen in this population. Some individuals and organizations advocate for a mandatory release of the incarcerated who are not deemed a risk to the general population, whereas others advocate for improving health care in jails and prisons. This article highlights the importance of addressing access to care issues, overcrowding, societal implications, and access to hygienics for the incarcerated during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and solutions forward.
Keywords: COVID; disparity; incarcerated; jail; prison.
© Onyeka Otugo and Brooke Wages 2020; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.