Objective

To approximate the epidemiological trend of COVID-19 in Colombian prisons.

Materials and Methods

Demographic, morbidity and mortality data recorded between April and October, 2020, corresponding to the population detained in national prisons were used. To analyze the situation of COVID-19, the reports of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) were consulted. Using MS-Excel and R, a descriptive analysis was performed, and epidemiological indicators were calculated.

Results

The data reveal a progression of the pandemic with an increase in positive cases, inmates hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) and related deaths. Between April and October, 2020, 16,804 positive COVID-19 cases were reported with 80 inmates in ICU and 136 related deaths. Of these deaths, 94.9% were reported in males and 5.1% in females. Regarding their age distribution, 63.2% of deaths occurred in the population aged 60 years and older.

Conclusions

The trend in prison shows a behavior similar to that recorded in Colombia. That is, an interpandemic phase with a progressive increase in the number of cases, hospitalized in ICU and deaths, a significant peak in August and a decrease in September. However, in October the trend reversed and there was an increase in the confirmation of cases. Epidemiological indicators show an unfavorable situation with respect to the general population. In August, the incidence of cases was 3.9 times higher. In October, the incidence was 1.5 times higher.