"...it looks like we have a government taking reckless, unwarranted risks," Executions are set to re

"...it looks like we have a government taking reckless, unwarranted risks," Executions are set to resume in Terre Haute, but what about COVID-19?

Of the parties "some" of "some" of the parties involved in upcoming executions have filed lawsuits due to the pandemic.

If the federal executions happen as planned, they will be the first in 17 years.

And they're happening at an already unprecedented time in our nation's history.

All this week news 10 is walking you through what will happen, and the history of executions in the city we call home.

This evening, we look at the health and safety measures amid the pandemic.

The bureau of prisons reports "5" active confirmed cases of covid-19 at the terre haute facility.

News 10's jon swaner explains the possible risks of the next week.

Anchor/reporte} historically, these executions have drawn outsiders to our community.

From lawyers, to demonstrators, and of course-- media crews from near and far... there will undoubtedly be many people at..

And around the federal prison in terre haute.

Vo of website} to prepare, we talked with the "death penalty information center."

The executive director, robert dunhman, raised a red flag about the timing due to the pandemic, and pending litigation.

14:12:3} sot: "comes down to, whether it's more important to carry out an execution in the middle of a pandemic in circumstances that could put entire communities at risk, or wait until the virus is cured, or at least treatable, and then let's see what the law says.

He voiced two main concerns when it comes to health and safety... the first is people gathering around the prison, possibly in close proximity... who could spread covid-19.

The second is people who may take infection "into" or "out of" the prison.

Sot: "the government says it can create appropriate social distancing during the execution itself, and that remains to be seen, but we haven't heard anything about how they're going to be able to create social distancing in the hours of waiting.

When you have people who have been exposed potentially to the virus in their communities who come to terre haute.

Or you have people in hotel industries and at restaurants who may have been exposed and are taking it to the guests."

We took these concerns to the bureau of prisons.

A spokesperson told us the agency is deeply concerned about the health and welfare of its inmates, staff, families, and communities.

As far as procedure goes... all attorneys, witnesses, and medical personnel will all be screened in a consistent manner.

Demonstrators will receive a face-covering... and be subject to screenings.

/////////////// we also used the department of justice's online form to ask if it's responsible to carry out these executions given the pandemic.

We did not receive a response.

////////////// with legal challenges on-going in the court system and the pandemic still at-play, dunham says the public has reason to be critical of the planned execution timeline.

14:45:5} sot: we should be focusing on taking care of each other, and protecting each other and not taking reckless or unwarranted risks, but it s-3lir news 10 is closelynexutnst 3%ed3 following legal updates, and any new legal updates, following closely news 10 is news 10.

Jon swaner -- news 10.

News 10 is news 10.

Jon swaner -- in terre haute, jon swaner -- news 10.

News 10 is closely following legal updates, and any new information from the prison on these executions.

If the government continues to move forward as planned, we will have live coverage at the prison next