Development of a COVID-19 Monitoring System for U.S. Correctional and Detention Facilities - Incarcerated persons are disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Conditions in detention and corrections environments are ideal for the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. This is documented in high infection rates and high mortality rates. To better quantify and understand how the CDC, state, and local departments of health can more effectively and accurately provide guidance and technical assistance to corrections and detention agencies, the National Sheriffs? Association (NSA) proposes to engage a representative group of correctional and public health stakeholders in one (1) state to design, create, implement and operate a comprehensive novel COVID-19 pilot data system in jails and other corrections facilities.The NSA?s pilot data system will enable correctional and detention facilities, hereinafter referred to as ?jails and prisons,? under the jurisdictions of different federal, state, and local partners to capture and share information, and validated data related to SARS-CoV-1, in their populations in a direct, efficient, user-friendly, and secure manner. Real-time access to COVID-19 data will be used to reduce transmission by providing the data needed to support guidance development and technical assistance to reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.The NSA?s proposed Data System pilot will demonstrate and document the feasibility and benefits of the system and provide the information needed for CDC to scale-up to additional sites and additional diseases.The NSA proposes to design, implement, and operate the proposed pilot system in one (1) state department of corrections and two (2) county Sheriffs? facilities. As noted above, the NSA?s proposed pilot project will also include a plan to enable scaling-up and expansion to additional locations and the inclusion of other infectious and chronic diseases, as well as behavioral health conditions within correctional and detention populations, to improve public health rep
orting and to facilitate and encourage coordination, collaboration, and technical assistance during future public health emergencies as well as routine operation.By the end of the performance period, the Data System will be accessible and used by pilot jails and prisons, CDC, and state and local health officials to more safely care for patients, more safely manage institutions, and better protect the local communities as it pertains to the coronavirus pandemic.
