IDOC TO INMATE EMAILS RECEIVED 10/8/21
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COVID update: We are not out of the woods yet.
Early in 2020, when COVID first swept the nation, we all heard the horror stories from other states and we braced for the worst. Projection models anticipated that our hospitals would reach capacity and that death rates would be high. Then, we waited. And, we waited. COVID arrived in waves, but we never had the tsunami that we thought was coming. Our hospitals continued to function normally and, thankfully, state death rates were relatively low. After our peak of cases in December, we saw state numbers decline through July. We were excited about what we hoped was the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, but sadly, that was not the case.
The Delta variant of COVID has changed the game. It stormed into Idaho this summer, and quickly overwhelmed our hospitals and thrust us into crisis standards of care. What we know about the Delta variant is that it is more contagious in that it spreads more easily than previous variants and it may cause more than two times as many infections. Data also suggests that the Delta variant might cause more severe illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people.
If youve been on the fence about the vaccine, but are worried about the increased risk of the Delta variant, please talk to medical staff. Vaccines cant prevent 100% of infections, but they can greatly reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. If youd like to get a COVID vaccine, submit a Health Services Request (HSR). We are working with the local public health districts to make booster shots available to those who want it and will share additional information as it becomes available. You are only eligible for a booster right now if you had Pfizer as you initial vaccine and it was more than 6 months ago. If you believe you are eligible for a booster and youd like to receive it, please submit an HSR and well add your name to the list when we have boosters to administer.
The number of positive cases has been increasing steadily since June, when the number was 18 systemwide. In September, we had 190 residents who tested positive for COVID-19. Should the number of positive cases continue to increase, we will have to take necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, meaning facilities may temporarily move to increasing restrictions and limiting movements. As case numbers decline, we will move to relax restrictions as quickly as possible.
We have lost friends and family members, and we know many people who have become sick. Given how much things have changed recently, its important to remind everyone of a few basic facts about how each of us can do our part to limit the spread. First and foremost, please remain vigilant reporting to medical if you begin to experience the symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever/chills, new cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, etc. Second, lets remember the basics to stop the spread wear a mask, keep 6 between you and others whenever possible, and practice good hand washing.
We appreciate your continued support in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Stay healthy!
Bree E. Derrick Deputy Director
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MESSAGE FROM KEEFE COMMISSARY
TO: IDOC RESIDENTS
FROM: KEEFE COMMISSARY NETWORK
DATE: 10/8/2021
To whom it may concern,
The COVID19 pandemic has severely affected the operations of vendors including Keefe. Across the economy right now there are labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and products in short supply. Deliveries are also impacted by longer delivery times for container ships getting to port and truck driver shortages with no end in sight according to analysts.
Keefe is unfortunately not immune to the impact of the economic, labor, and supply chain issues. Our warehouse is dealing with a shortage of resident labor. Keefe was notified late on Friday night 10-1-2021 that its work force had a couple of positive covid cases and would not have a full work force. As a result, getting commissary out for delivery has been a struggle.
The facilities that will most likely be affected by this are the following:
ISCC, ICIO, NICI, SAWC
When applicable, refunds will be applied on resident trust accounts as soon as we determine that orders will not be filled.
We will continue to work aggressively to schedule resident workers to avoid further delivery issues. If you are in one of the affected facilities, then your facility will be prioritized on the next delivery.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this pandemic together and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.