Texas Prison COVID-19 Infection & Death Rates Higher Than Other State Prison Systems

Texas has had more coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections and deaths among incarcerated people and staff than any other prison system in the country, according to a new report from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Between April 7, 2020, and October 4, 2020, at least 231 people died from COVID-19 in Texas prisons and jails, including both incarcerated people and staff. Of the 231 victims, 6 were jail staff, 21 were prison staff, 14 individuals were in jail, and 190 were in state prisons. People in Texas prisons . . .