The Correctional System Responds to COVID-19 (and Some Preliminary Thoughts on Minimizing Correctional Interactions)

Shea’s earlier post discussed the court system’s response to COVID-19. This post shares some related information from the state correctional system. Prisons The Prisons Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is taking measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. As of this afternoon there were no positive tests for COVID-19 in North Carolina’s prisons. The following policies were placed into effect today (March 16, 2020): Offender visitation was suspended for a minimum of 30 days, with the exception of legal and pastoral visits.  Permitted visitors will be subject to a brief screening, which may include a temperature check, before admission to any facility. Attorney phone calls in lieu of in-person visitation are still being allowed in exceptional situations with appropriate notice (see Policy G.0206). Volunteer activities, both in the community and within facilities, are suspended for a minimum of 30 days. No offender medical co-pays will be charged for complaints of fever or respiratory issues. Non-essential and elective surgeries and medical appointments will be deferred to reduce the need for offender transports and to reduce the need for post-operative or post-procedural care by medical staff. Corrections Enterprises is manufacturing hand cleanser to be utilized in all facilities to reduce transmission and exposure. Prison officials asked me to convey that they will not be able to accommodate as safekeepers all jail inmates in need of COVID-19 testing. Probation, Parole, and Post-Release Supervision Community Corrections is likewise taking precautions related to the 90,000 probationers, parolees, and post-release supervisees under [...]