Harvey Weinstein Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Harvey Weinstein is in prison on sexual assault charges and now, he’s tested positive for coronavirus

Convicted sexual assaulter Harvey Weinstein has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus at an upstate NY prison. It is being reported that he contracted the virus at Riker’s Island.

According to the Niagara Gazette, Weinstein is is being isolated at Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York. He is one of two Wende inmates who have reportedly tested positive.

Weinstein, who is serving a total of 23 years for rape and sexual assault, both felony sex crimes, is 68 years old and has pre-existing health issues. Covid-19 is much riskier for senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems.

Officials tell Niagara Gazette that it is believed Weinstein contracted the virus at Riker’s Island before entering Wende. He entered the system last week after being sentenced in Manhattan. During his trial, Weinstein spent some time at a New York City hospital where he was being monitored and treated for high blood pressure and chest pain. Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), refused to comment further on Weinstein’s health status citing privacy concerns related to inmate health records.

Powers did explain that the union has asked state corrections officials to suspend any “non essential” inmate transfers from one state facility to another “as well as the transporting of local jail prisoners to the state prisons during the ongoing health emergency.”

“There is no better breeding ground for this virus than a closed environment such as a correctional facility,” he said.

According to The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, all visits to inmates have been suspended to help curb the spread of the virus.

Those who said Weinstein tested positive spoke on condition of anonymity. His reps have yet to confirm that he’s infected.