County jails contend with high-risk environment for COVID-19

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — County jails across New Mexico are contending with a high-risk environment for COVID-19 infection at the same time that many more beds are filling with inmates. County governments’ association attorney Grace Philips warned legislators on Wednesday that overall coronavirus vaccination rates among staff at county detention centers are lower than the statewide average — 61% versus about 71% for adults in general. Inmates are far less likely to be vaccinated as they arrive in increasing numbers at county detention facilities. The statewide county jail population has increased by more than a quarter since May 2020.