Texas Starting Widespread Coronavirus Testing in State Prisons

Coronavirus

Texas Starting Widespread Coronavirus Testing in State Prisons

May 13, 2020

Works clean the patio seating area of a restaurant on the River Walk that is preparing to open soon, Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

AP Works clean the patio seating area of a restaurant on the River Walk that is preparing to open soon, Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in San Antonio. The restaurant has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will open with limited seating and make use of social distancing practices. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas is starting widespread coronavirus testing in state prisons, where at least 30 people have died and inmates have tested positive at far higher rates than outside one of the nation’s largest prison systems.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Tuesday that tens of thousands of COVID-19 tests are on the way to the state’s prisons. More than 1,700 inmates have tested positive in Texas.

Agency spokesman Jeremy Desel says the tests are designed to be self-administered and a dozen “strike teams” are receiving training this week.

It’s the second announcement of widespread testing in Texas in as many days. On Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered coronavius testing for every nursing home resident and staff member in the state.

Church

The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria Speaks Regarding Russia’s Coup

BOSTON – The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in its recent meeting dealt with the ecclesiastical coup perpetrated by the Patriarchate of Moscow in its canonical jurisdiction, calling it an “immoral invasion and intrusion.

Church

St. Nicholas Church One of 2022’s Most Anticipated Architectural Openings

NEW YORK - Some 21 years after it was destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States that brought down the Twin Towers in New York City, the new St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church rising in its place is among the most eagerly awaited architectural openings of 2022.

Events

Staten Island Community Honored Couples Married 50+ Years

STATEN ISLAND, NY – For yet another year, the community of Holy Trinity-St Nicholas in Staten Island honored couples celebrating 50+ years of marriage with a modest ceremony held at the church immediately following the Divine Liturgy on January 16.