The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Health of Incarcerated People

Abstract

COVID-19 has upended the daily operations of the criminal justice system. Correctional COVID-19 policies have altered how incarcerated people navigate legal proceedings, receive visitors, procure healthcare services, and maintain mental well-being and physical health. Although some of these changes have been positive (e.g., increased access to tablets, and de-incarceration policies), other strategies have exposed societal inequities that fail to meet the needs of people who are incarcerated. Lockdown orders may have unintended consequences for incarcerated people, particularly among those with mental disorders. This commentary examines the barriers and facilitators of healthcare access in our correctional system that has been made more acute due to COVID-19.