NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION TO
INCREASE SCREENING PROTOCOLS FOR COVID-19 FOR VISITORS AT FACILITIES STATEWIDE
Effective Monday, March 9, Visitors Should Expect Additional Security Procedures and be Prepared to Answer Questions Regarding Recent Travel and Contact with Individuals Displaying Symptoms Associated with COVID-19
Visitors Will Likely Experience Longer than Usual Wait Times and May Be Denied Entry if They Appear Ill or Pose a Risk to the Health and Safety of the Facility Based on Questionnaire Responses
As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread across New York State, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) will begin a new screening protocol for visitors to each of the State’s 52 correctional facilities, effective Monday, March 9. The health of staff, incarcerated individuals, visitors and volunteers is of utmost importance, and this procedure is being proactively implemented in order to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the Department’s facilities.
Upon arrival to the facility, visitors will be asked a series of questions regarding any illness or symptoms they may be currently experiencing; travel outside of the United States within the past four weeks, including that of family members; and any direct exposure to an individual diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the past four weeks.
The Department remains committed to ensuring family and friends are able to visit with loved ones, with as limited disruption to the normal visiting process as possible, while also actively working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New York State.
DOCCS encourages all individuals within its facilities to practice the following prevention measures from the New York State Department of Health:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For additional information on COVID-19, visit the New York State Department of Health
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