Ryan Whalen is reporting for State of Politics the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision is now allowing all staff to wear either an N-95 respirator or surgical-type mask while on duty inside the state's correctional facilities. Employees must supply their own masks. Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci notified all DOCCS employees of the decision on March 30. The decision was made, he said, after extensive discussions with representatives of the various bargaining units in order to continue to protect the staff and the incarcerated population from exposure to coronavirus. Those who are incarcerated and under quarantine will also be issued a surgical-type mask. DOCCS will continue to provide personal protective equipment and masks to staff who are required to interact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus or has shown symptoms. The department previously suspended visitations, stopped intake from county jails and limited the practice of double bunking. Read the full story at NYStateofPolitics [dot] com.