Due to the pending arrival of UAC’s from RGV, The National
Border Patrol Council Local 1613 is suggesting the following protocols for the
safety of our agents as well as the detainees.
1.
All Agents should bring a second set of clothes
(Including socks and shoes) to the station. Change clothes prior to going home
so that you can minimize the chances of infecting any of your family or
friends.
a.
We will be looking into getting coveralls or some other
form of outer clothing for agents.
b.
We will also be looking for a way to launder your
clothing so that you don’t have to take it home.
c.
Place clothing in a plastic trash bag and take directly
from the bag to the washing machine.
d.
If possible we recommend showering at the station after
each shift before going home.
2.
All agents should get tested for TB in order to ensure
you have a baseline.
a.
We will be working with the agency to get occupational
health out to provide testing.
b.
In the meantime go to your personal health care
provider and get TB test done.
3.
Agents should refrain from touching there nose, mouth
or eyes when processing.
4.
All bedding and clothing should be handled with
protective equipment (gloves) and placed in specifically designed containers
(i.e. plastic bag) and laundered ASAP.
5.
Gloves should be worn at all times and changed
frequently. Hand sanitizer should be used between changing gloves.
6.
Educational material will be distributed in order to
assist agents with the identification of communicable diseases.
7.
Cells should be disinfected regularly.
8.
All detainees who are suspected or report having
communicable disease will be documented and reported to a supervisor as soon as
possible.
9.
All detainees should be given vaccinations before being
released into the communities.
10. If
there are any supplies you believe you need and the service has not provided
contact the local union health and safety officer and we will look into
purchasing those items directly.
11. If
you have any concerns please contact your local health and safety officer and
we will address the issue and get back to you ASAP.
Below are recommendations from the Center for Disease Control
on preventing and controlling Transmissible Diseases. We will be contacting
command staff to ensure they are aware of these recommendations.
The intervention measures reported to be efficient for the
control and the prevention of common transmissible infections. Depending on the
populations targeted, these interventions may include education, chest
radiography screening for tuberculosis, directly observed therapy for
tuberculosis treatment, improvement of personal clothing and bedding hygiene,
and widespread use of ivermectin for scabies and body louse infestation.
Systematic vaccination against hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, influenza,
Streptococcus pneumoniae, and diphtheria is strongly recommended.
