JR Ventura, Chief of Information & Public Relations Officer at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) issued the following:

“We are pleased to know that the test results came back negative for COVID-19 for the inmate at Medium Security. Our medical department and security staff are in constant communications to make sure we meet the safety standards recommended by the Department of Health.

“To that end, we have implementing heightened safety measures and have modified all of the facilities’ schedules, including our Medium Security facility, to allow us to meet those recommendations. Inmates are allowed to come out of their rooms and participate in recreation time in the yard, though in smaller groups. They are able to make phone calls, take showers and eat some meals in the dining room, while practicing social distancing precautions.

“We have also increased mail access so that inmates can communicate more often with their friends and family. We continue to monitor the situation and use best practices as guided by the Department of Health. Our goal is to keep everyone, staff and inmates safe.”