The Virginia Department of Corrections began reopening its facilities to the public on July 15 and will enter another important phase of reopening on September 1, when families will be able to visit inmates in 10 facilities across the state. On July 15, all state correctional facilities opened to attorneys and court officials, embassy and consulate officials, and other official visitors. On August 1, all facilities were opened to religious visitors and volunteers.
Prisons are divided into âzones.â Inmates have been given personal protective equipment. Visitation is canceled. Testing has ramped up. Still, the positive COVID-19 cases continue to climb within Virginia prisons.
The Virginia Department of Corrections reported on Dec. 10 that there are 593 active cases among inmates and 227 among staff, which includes employees and contractors. There have been over 5,200 positive COVID-19 cases and 35 deaths reported among inmates since late March. More than 1,250 staff cases have been confirmed since the spring.
The recent spike in cases came after a dip in October and November, which followed a flurry of positive cases in September. Outside of prisons, COVID-19 is rippling through the state with a new high daily record reported this week.
Nobody really cares : Inmates frustrated by COVID-19 prison spike | Coronavirus rappnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rappnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Advocates, inmates want more from VADOC as COVID-19 spikes apnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from apnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.