March 19, 2020
We know this is just as stressful of a time for you as it is your family and others in the community. We also know you have questions. As we continue to take measures to prevent the introduction or spread of illness in the institutions, we want to also keep you advised of steps that are being taken.
First, it should be noted there have been no positive cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus associated with any staff or offenders.
Also, as you are aware, visiting has been temporarily suspended. We appreciate your patience and understanding. To help keep you in contact with family and friends we are working with the phone service provider to allow for additional calls.
With visiting being suspended, we know there have been questions about staff or volunteers who may be sick. A process has been implemented to screen anyone accessing the facility for wellbeing prior to entry.
In addition, all offenders coming in are being screened by medical. There are plans in place to keep anyone with symptoms out of general population until medically cleared or symptom free. Also, if at any time you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or respiratory issues; you should report it to staff immediately.
As you have seen, we are significantly increasing our cleaning and sanitation efforts. Thank you for your participation and support of these efforts.
At this time, our goal is to continue to offer the same services and maintain normal operations to the extent possible. There are no plans to eliminate programming, recreation, canteen services or other functions. In line with CDC recommendations, some adjustments may occur such as conducting smaller classes, fewer organized sports, or reducing the number of offenders in a dining hall at one time as limiting group size can reduce the risk of spreading illness.
How You Can Help
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Keep your areas clean and sanitized
- Avoid congregating in large groups
- Avoid close contact with someone who is sick
- If you are sick with fever, cough or respiratory issues report to medical or a staff member immediately
- If you observe another offender who is sick with fever, cough or respiratory issues report to staff member immediately
Our priority is to ensure the safety of our staff and offenders. We appreciate your assistance with these efforts.