Swine Flu

Intro:	Swine flu could cut down on visitation hours in Missouri's prisions. Michael Gossum has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: There's been cases of swine flu in public schools and universities, and now preparations are in place for an outbreak in Missouri prisons.

Department of Corrections Spokesperson Jacqueline Lapine said the department is setting its priorities if H1N1 does become a problem.

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Description: Number one is the safety and security of our facility, and of the offenders, employees, and the public as well.

Lapine said visitation hours may change to protect the public from getting the virus.

The plan also includes stopping recreational and education programs.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Michael Gossum

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Intro:	Quarantining inmates is among the options being considered by the state's correction facilities in case of a swine flu outbreak. Michael Gossum has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: In response to the recent spread of Swine Flu the Missouri Department of Corrections has created a plan in case of an outbreak.

The plan includes different measures of response depending how badly the virus spreads.

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Description: We have to see how things shake out and who becomes infected. You know, we will make changes if necessary to visitation if we're seeing a problem.

Lapine also says the amount of staff they have should be fine, unless the H1N1 outbreak is severe.

The plan provides for staff to adjust accordingly to cover the mandatory critical positions in case of an outbreak.

Lapine says inmates could be quarantined in onsight infirmaries.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Michael Gossum.

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Intro:	Missouri's Public Schools are not the only place where education could be affected by swine flu. Michael Gossum has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: Missouri's Department of Corrections says it's prepared for a swine flu outbreak.

Communication Director Jacqueline Lapine says the Department has a plan, but it all depends on how bad the outbreak becomes.

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Description: We can halt programs temporarily and things of that nature. So, really it all depends on who is ill and the effect that has on the rest of the folks in the department.

Another part of the plan includes changing visiting hours to keep the public from getting the virus from inmates.

GED classes could also be cut because of an outbreak within prisons and institutions.

Lapine says that ultimately the plans goal is to make sure the offenders, employees, and the public are safe.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Michael Gossum.

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