Coronavirus Outbreak At FMC Devens Medical Center

WESTFORD, MA — After more than 35 percent of inmates tested positive for the coronavirus at the Federal Medical Center in Devans, Rep. Lori Trahan of Westford, and Rep. Jim McGovern are asking the Federal Bureau of Prisons to do more to keep the coronavirus from spreading.

“Staffing shortages and hospitalizations have helped to give rise to the COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff," the representatives wrote in a letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal.

The Westford Democrat who represents Massachusetts Third District asked the director to institute on-site testing of staff, prohibit noncompliance with masking and other standard public health protocols, and transfer medically vulnerable individuals into home confinement, and continue use of compassionate release.

According to the Bureau of Prisons data, more than 260 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, the two wrote.

"With an inmate population of 739, it appears that 35 percent of the facility’s inmates have tested positive – with the bulk of the infections being reported in just the past 2 weeks,” the Representatives continued.

FMC Devens provides care to inmates with a range of medical conditions before they are re-located to another correctional institution.

"The Bureau has a special duty of care to take robust precautions considering its immunocompromised population," wrote Trahan and McGovern.