Today, Explained Lockdown while locked up
Apr 1, 2020
Arthur Longworth, an inmate serving a life sentence at the Washington State Reformatory, shares gripping insights into life behind bars during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounts the challenges of isolation and the fears that permeate prison walls as the virus spreads. Joining him is Daniel Gross, a journalist who examines the broader implications for the criminal justice system. They discuss systemic inadequacies, the struggles of overcrowding, and the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable inmates during health crises.
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Life Inside During COVID-19
- Arthur Longworth, incarcerated at Washington State Reformatory, describes life inside during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- He details how the virus entered the prison via a guard and the subsequent lockdown and overcrowding.
Inevitability and Fear
- Longworth describes a feeling of inevitability regarding the virus's arrival, comparing it to the fear of fire in a deteriorating cellhouse.
- This highlights the sense of powerlessness inmates experience, emphasizing the inherent risks of prison life.
Limited Prevention Measures
- Inmates are washing hands and distancing as much as possible in cramped conditions.
- Wearing face coverings or having hand sanitizer is forbidden, highlighting the limitations within the prison environment.