Prisoners sit in their cells and don't even get out one hour a day. They don't know how many months or days it will continue. It's very disheartening. While you keep people locked up, you are not helping them to do their time. When not working, they can use the yard, a large open space off the cell block surrounded by high cement walls and ringed with armed guards.
Some inmates also take classes toward their GED, or vocational training.
Many work on legal appeals. During lockdown all of this is suspended. Guards and other prison staff must clean the prison, cook and serve meals to inmates in their cells. Some inmates say the portions of food are tiny, that guards drop it on the floor and serve it cold. Staff has to work overtime and do the work of prisoners.