All persons, including staff, outside law enforcement partners, and contractors are medically screened prior to entering SRJ. Currently, screening includes a review of symptomatology, and temperature checks. Anyone who does not meet medical screening criteria is denied entry into SRJ. In addition to this medical screening, and prior to entering the jail, all persons must wash and/or sanitize their hands at newly established hand washing stations and wear masks and protective eyewear as appropriate inside the jail.

All arrestees are medically screened by Wellpath outside SRJ’s intake area. Any arrestee or inmate who meets guidelines promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) will be offered COVID-19 testing. Inmates are quarantined in accordance with the Outbreak Control Plan.

Any inmate who presents with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be medically evaluated by Wellpath medical staff and medically isolated if indicated. Any housing units or pods exposed to someone with suspected COVID-19 will be quarantined in accordance with the Outbreak Control Plan. Proper personal protective equipment guidelines are adhered to by staff and affected inmates in accordance with CDC guidelines. All inmates at SRJ are provided masks and encouraged to wear a mask at all times.

Inmates have and continue to be educated continuously about COVID-19 symptoms and precautions through an educational video and by Wellpath staff. Signs are posted throughout SRJ outlining preventative measures as well as stressing the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitary practices.

Wellpath has prepared an educational video regarding COVID-19 to inform and educate inmates about recognizing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and best hygiene and cleaning practices for protecting against infection. All inmates are provided with free soap and enhanced cleaning supplies. Further, SRJ has greatly enhanced its cleaning schedule to mitigate the risks presented by COVID-19.

• SRJ Commander Video (English)
• SRJ Commander Video (Spanish)
• Phone Warning Sign (English)
• Phone Warning Sign (Spanish)
• Handwashing Sign (English)
• Handwashing Sign (Spanish)
• Stop the Spread Sign (English)
• Symptoms Sign (English)

There are many re-entry resources and programs available to inmates who have been or will be released from SRJ. Please visit the links below to obtain further information about some of the available resources.

• Adult Re-entry Grant Program Grantees
• Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground

Keeping public safety in mind, and focusing on vulnerable populations, ACSO continues to cooperate with other branches of the criminal justice system in an effort to reduce the inmate population and minimize the risks presented by COVID-19. Further, Sheriff Ahern has sent a letter to all local police departments requesting that they cite and release any arrestee who does not compromise public safety to minimize the potential COVID-19 exposure to the SRJ population. As a result of this letter, bookings at SRJ have been greatly reduced.

ACSO understands how important visitation is for inmates, their loved ones, and attorneys. Unfortunately, to mitigate the risks presented by COVID-19, SRJ has suspended visitation with the exception of attorney visits, which are being permitted on a non-contact basis only. ACSO request all persons with necessary business at SRJ postpone their visit if they are experiencing any symptoms of a respiratory illness.

Video visitation has been increased and telephone calls remain available. The County is able to provide all inmates with three free fifteen-minute phone call and one free fifteen-minute video visit per week while in-person visitation is suspended during the pandemic. Phone calls will be provided as conditions and security allow.

SRJ has provided all inmates with tablets that contain free content, including educational materials, books, and local news. Further, radios and televisions are available to inmates as well as books and reading materials.

Attorney phone calls and video conferences are available to inmates during the pandemic. Attorneys should submit an email request to prolist@acgov.org for more information regarding this program and to register their phone numbers.

The care of SRJ’s patient population is Wellpath’s number one priority. Wellpath is committed to following CDC guidelines when it comes to treating SRJ’s patient population. Wellpath realizes that these guidelines are fluid and continues to evaluate its processes to be sure that its practices align with current CDC guidelines. Additional information regarding COVID-19 can be accessed via the links below:

• Sabot Consulting Spot Check (01-06-2021)
• Sabot Consulting Spot Check (11-06-2020)
• Sabot Consulting Final Inspection (09-22-2020)
• Sabot Consulting Spot Check (08-25-2020)
• Sabot Consulting Follow Up Inspection (07-30-2020)
• Sabot Consulting Inspection of Santa Rita Jail (07-10-2020)
• Alameda County Public Health Department Visit to Santa Rita Jail (06-08-2020)
• Interim Guidance on Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Correctional and Detention Facilities (cdc.gov)
• Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (cdc.gov)
• Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings (cdc.gov)
• Public Health Recommendations for Community-Related Exposure (cdc.gov)

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations prohibit the release of patient medical information without a signed authorization from the patient or evidence of an exception identified in the regulations.

To obtain a copy of a patient’s medical record from SRJ, criminal defense attorneys with clients at SRJ may submit a request to SRJ’s medical department via fax at 925-551-6746 or email at alamedacountymedicalrecordsroi@wellpath.us.

The quickest way to obtain a copy of a patient’s medical record is to include a signed Wellpath Release of Records Form with the request or documentation supporting the release of records absent a signed patient authorization (e.g., a judicial order, grand jury subpoena, etc.). California Health & Safety Code section 123110 specifically provides that any patient or patient's representative is entitled to copies of all or any portion of his or her records, that he or she has a right to inspect the records, upon written request, and that the records must be provided within 15 days of the receipt of the request. Wellpath will do its best to respond to requests in a timely manner. Patient care is a priority, especially during this unprecedented pandemic, and Wellpath greatly appreciate patience and cooperation during this time.

For medical records requests, Wellpath will approach patients to obtain the appropriate signatures no later than 48 hours after receiving the request, and sooner if possible. If the patient agrees to the sign the ROI, Wellpath will send a copy of the medical records to the requestor within 48 hours of obtaining the signature.

If there is something urgent, or the above process is not working, please contact:

Natalyn Bergman, RN,
Director of Nursing
Natalyn.Bergman@wellpath.us

Teressa Jackson
Paralegal, Wellpath Legal
joajackson@wellpath.us

Criminal defense attorneys with clients at SRJ who have case-specific questions and concerns after reviewing the above comprehensive COVID-19 information provided above may submit a detailed written request to counsel of record for defendants in the Babu et al. v. Ahern, et al. lawsuit: Temitayo Peters, Esq. at tpeters@bwslaw.com.  Counsel for defendants will make every effort to respond within 48 hours of receiving the request.