The Pandemic In Prison: Dissemination Of Covid-19 Infection Among The Population Without Freedom: A Cut In The State Of Pernambuco

Abstract

Objectives: To conduct a retrospective analysis on the distribution of cases of COVID-19 in the population deprived of liberty belonging to the state of Pernambuco. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on secondary electronic databases in the public domain, exempted from the need for an appreciation by the Ethics Committee. The database consulted was of the Center for Strategic Information on Health Surveillance (CIEVS) in the State of Pernambuco. The reference period for collection was from April 1 to September 28, 2020. Epidemiological bulletins and virtual monitoring reports, available on the CIEVS website, were analyzed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques based on obtaining absolute and percentage frequencies. Results: The State of Pernambuco has the sixth largest prison population in the country. There are 25,564 prisoners, 24,657 men and 907 women. Related to the distribution of cases of infection by the new coronavirus, of the 5,926 suspected cases, 1,476 were confirmed, 46 are still under investigation and 37 had inconclusive tests, which represents an infection rate of 5.77% of the prison population. These results reflect that the scenario of COVID-19 infection in Pernambuco is a cause for concern, both for the general population and among the prisioners. Conclusion: The results suggest that although only 5.7% of the prison population has been infected, prison units are spaces with a potential risk for the spread of COVID-19 infection. In addition, many of the prisioners are an effective risk group and, accordingly, they should be monitored with greater intensity.