At New York prison, Harvey Weinstein put in isolation after contracting virus

[Mike 03]

Niagara Gazette. Just breaking in the last few minutes.

ALBANY — Oscar-winning movie producer Harvey Weinstein, now one of New York's most notorious prison inmates after being sentenced for sexual assault, has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, according to officials connected to the state prison system.

Weinstein, who turned 68 last Thursday is being isolated at Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York, officials told CNHI Sunday.

He is one of two Wende inmates who have tested positive, the officials said.

Weinstein is serving a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in a prosecution that attracted world-wide attention amid the #MeToo movement.

Officials familiar with his situation said it is believed Weinstein was positive for the virus when he entered the state prison system last Wednesday from Rikers Island, a New York City jail.

Weinstein was sent to Wende, where the prison system operates an intake center for new state inmates. Inmates are typically sent to other facilities from there after medical and security concerns are assessed.

Weinstein was accepted by the prison system last week following his sentencing at a Manhattan courtroom. During his trial, he had been alternating his time between Rikers Island and a New York City hospital, where he was treated for high blood pressure and chest pains.

Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), said he could not comment on Weinstein's situation or elaborate on any inmate's health record due to privacy rules.

Read more: https://www.niagara-gazette.com/covid-19/at-new-york-prison-harvey-weinstein-put-in-isolation-after/article_26e38374-6c7d-11ea-9f8a-3b2c09e7817d.html

Thanks to octoberlib for alerting us at DU to this story. https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213152375

Remember, he was at Rikers Island until a day or two ago, where a guard (?) and an inmate have tested positive.

[at140]

1. Prisons will be the next hot spots for covid-19

unless every prisoner is isolated and every guard is tested.

[leftieNanner]

3. And the Trump-Miller Baby Jails are next!

The prisons have medical staff. The immigrant babies are on their own.

[hlthe2b]

2. I predicted this would happen. I am not sympathetic toward Weinstein, but he does not deserve

a "death penalty." Prisons, if they are not depopulated, will an absolute worst-case scenario.

[sdfernando]

4. I too have no sympathy for him

The consequences of the things we do may not be apparent until years down the road.