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Penzone Suggests Using New Jail Facility To Care For Coronavirus Patients

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone
Jimmy Jenkins/KJZZ
/
file | staff
Paul Penzone

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone suggests that a new jail facility in south Phoenix open up — not to inmates, but to coronavirus patients.

In a letter sent Friday — and  reported on by the Arizona Mirror — Penzone argued the multimillion dollar facility was designed "in direct conflict with health recommendations by the CDC to suppress the outbreak of COVID-19."

But he suggested the state Department of Health Services could consider the space for the temporary care of patients as hospitals face an influx of coronavirus cases. 

Penzone told The Show more about his proposal.  

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.