Harvey Weinstein has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 as the number of cases in Rikers Island, where he was until recently being held, explodes.
The news comes courtesy of a local New Jersey newspaper, citing contacts in the state prison system. The report was later picked up by the New York Post.
Due to his advanced age and allegedly poor health, Weinstein would probably be considered a ‘high risk’ patient, though the US still has plenty of available beds.
On Wednesday, the 68-year-old disgraced movie mogul was transferred to the maximum security Wende Correctional Facility near Buffalo, according to state prison officials. Weinstein was sentenced to 23-years for rape and sexual assault earlier this month. According to Global News, the prison is likely a temporary stop for Weinstein – where he will be evaluated to determine which state prison is most appropriate to meet his medical, mental health, security, and other needs.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases at Rikers jumped from eight to 38 – with 21 inmates, 12 employees and five correctional health workers now infected, according to the New York Times citing the Board of Correction.There are also 58 inmates under observation.
Their solution? Let people go.
Board officials said there were also 58 inmates being monitored in the contagious disease unit up from 27 people on Tuesday.
A person familiar with the matter said a previously closed jails facility had been reopened to accommodate the growing number of inmates being placed into quarantine.
Dr. Robert Cohen, a member of the Board of Correction, said, “The most important thing we can do right now is discharge all of the people who are old and have serious medical issues — those people are likely to die from a coronavirus infection.” –New York Times‘
Read more: Harvey Weinstein Tests Positive For COVID-19
