Pa. state prisons suspend all visits amid covid-19 concerns

State prisons in Pennsylvania have suspended all visits for at least two weeks, the Department of Corrections announced late Thursday.

Corrections Secretary John Wetzel also said enhanced screenings of staff, vendors, chaplains and other contractors will begin at all state correctional institutions. Wetzel had announced Wednesday that only SCI-Phoenix, which is in Montgomery County, would move to enhanced screenings.

For staff and inmate protection from #COVID19, the DOC has suspended all visits effective tomorrow for at least two weeks. Only staff, vendors and contractors will be allowed to enter any of the state prisons—pending the results of a screening. pic.twitter.com/nBBPbeAJzW

— PA Department of Corrections (@CorrectionsPA) March 13, 2020

The screenings involve taking an individual’s temperature and asking a series of questions, according to a DOC release. It was not clear the substance of the questions.

“No matter who you are, if you have flu-like symptoms and/or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, you will not be allowed entrance to any of our DOC facilities or offices,” Wetzel said.

Thirteen of the state’s 22 presumptive or confirmed cases are in Montgomery County. DOC officials said non-essential employees who live in or travel to Montgomery County can work from home, though employees considered essential must report.

Non-essential employees who live in or travel to Montgomery County for work may work from home. All essential employees are expected to report to work.

For more: https://t.co/4d1fZyubCo

— PA Department of Corrections (@CorrectionsPA) March 13, 2020

In lieu of visits, officials are working to increase phone time and commissary limits for inmates.

“We are all in this together,” Wetzel said. “So, together we are going to work to mitigate the virus’ impact on our state prison system.”