Richmond – Following Governor Northam’s press conference this afternoon where he announced additional actions to respond to COVID-19, local, regional, and state public safety agencies issued a joint statement that they are working closely together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has suspended all in-person visitation to state correctional facilities and is complying with CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.
VADOC has also suspended all transfers from local and regional jails for the next 30 days to limit potential exposure to the virus. We are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our VADOC employees and residents in our state correctional facilities. We also recognize that there are different needs at the local and regional levels.
At this time, jails are determining the best way to address capacity issues within their facilities to maintain the health and safety of their staff and residents. Given the transient nature of the jail population with frequent circulation in and out of facilities, there may be a risk of exposure to the virus.
Click HERE for a link to the full joint statement. VSA commends localities that are actively working to protect the health and safety of their populations.