By Jason Renard Walker, NABPP Minister of Labor

Prisoners in the Clements Unit’s close custody building (A pod) are showing signs of the coronavirus; the $13.55 medical co-pay fee has deterred all, but one, from seeking treatment.

The loud sound of coughs and spitting have illuminated the cellblock after one prisoner sought medical care and was told to hold his breath, then denied further treatment. Another was issued common cold medication and turned away. I myself have gotten sick, a bad cough and slight chest congestion after the social distancing technique was abandoned and I was forced to eat lunch with the other prisoners. Before, we ate in the proximity of our own cells. We recreated ten at a time but were later forced to recreate with the entire pod consisting over one hundred prisoners. I have not yet had my medical visit request addressed. Social distancing is back in place. 

TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst couldn’t say whether TDCJ had any coronavirus testing kits handy, only that it had the ability to do so if necessary. Suggesting that as long as a staffer hasn’t received confirmation of being infected, testing prisoners isn’t required. Or pre-purchasing testing kits wouldn’t be done.

It doesn’t seem to be in the vested interest of Gov. Greg Abbott to have to address one prisoner contracting the coronavirus in close custody isolation, much less many; given that staff are going untested and only sent home if they exhibit signs of any sickness. And the CIA operated main stream media causing doomsday hysteria, resulting in citizens buying up unnecessary amounts of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, food and many other basic necessities. 

According to the TDCJ website, the Texas prison system holds 140,419 prisoners, with 30,000 being 50 years or older. Not listed on the website is how many staff and prisoners have shown signs of having coronavirus, or what prevention program is in place following a confirmed case. 

The Robertson Unit in Abilene, TX; Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, TX; Darrington Unit in Rosharon, TX; McConnell Unit in Beeville, TX and many other prisons are used to hold prisoners overnight that are being shipped from one part of the state to the next. This can give one infected prisoner the potential to infect thousands of prisoners in a matter of days.

From my traveling experience, upon our arrival to a holding unit: we aren’t screened by psych or nurses and, in the case of the Darrington Unit and Robertson Unit, are housed in roach infested cells without blanket or mattress, regardless of the season.

Whether the coronavirus is at the Clements Unit is unknown, though it wouldn’t hurt to inquire why sick prisoners aren’t receiving COVID-19 tests. 

Prisoners that have access to a phone are encouraged to call one of the COVID-19 hotlines set up by Fight Toxic Prisons, IWOC Baltimore, California Comrades, and Kite Line Radio.

(410) 449-7140

(510) 301- 9403

(765) 343-6236

(888) 444-1970

Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win! All Power to the People!

Jason Renard Walker #1532092

Clements Unit

9601 Spur 591

Amarillo, TX 79107