Texas inmates are currently being paid by the government $2 per hour to move the bodies of people that have passed away from the coronavirus.
The new data was published in a report that was created by CBC News.
CBS News reported that El Paso had to get help from the county’s detention facility because they had become so overwhelmed by the coronavirus fatalities.
They ended up hiring inmates so they could assist experts with the overflow of bodies that are waiting for an autopsy.
It was also reported by CBS News that the county is paying 9 inmates to carry out the work.
The inmates are getting $2 per hour.
Chris Acosta, public affairs director at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, said that the inmates that are helping the authorities manage the bodies are low-level offenders.
They are also wearing full PPE when handling bodies.
Acosta also said that the work of the inmates is 100 percent voluntary.
She added: “The work is 100% voluntary. It’s great that these individuals are stepping up and volunteering to assist a community in dire need of help right now.”
Inmates will not work for that much, said the authorities.
The county has requested assistance from the National Guard, once help arrives, inmates will no longer work with dead bodies.
The inmates are people that are spending time at the El Paso County Detention Facility’s trustee program.
The inmates are misdemeanor offenders and those in minimum custody
They are currently working between 8 am and 4 pm on a daily basis.
The shifts started on November 16, 2020.
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