By Sarah Sinning
NEW YORK — While New York City jails have fared better than many other jail systems throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still work to be done, DOC officials say.
That’s why they’ve enlisted the help of one of the most well-known messengers of coronavirus information: Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
In a new series of videos, one specifically for DOC staff and the other for those in custody, Dr. Fauci encourages the more than 50% of each population that has yet to receive an inoculation to do so as soon as possible.
“A heartbreaking surge of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are occurring across the country,” he says in his recorded message to correctional staff. “[But] we can succeed if you and your colleagues get vaccinated.”
He also acknowledges the “exceptional courage and resilience” it has taken for COs and other staff members to keep coming in to work throughout the pandemic.
“Even in the best of times, I am profoundly aware that your work can be difficult, both physically and mentally,” he says. “You are all real heroes. As a native New Yorker from Brooklyn, I thank you for your service.”
In a statement, DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi thanked Dr. Fauci “for making these important messages, which speak directly to us and indirectly to everyone who works in a correctional setting.”
“We want to do everything we can to keep people safe and continue encouraging vaccination,” Schiraldi said.