LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it is immediately canceling normal visiting at the Lake County Jail as part of its COVID-19 preparedness efforts.
Lt. Corey Paulich that, at this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Lake County Jail.
Within hours of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office making the announcement on Thursday, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division said it also is suspending all in-person visitation – excluding legal visits – are being suspended.
Paulich said the new policy about visitation at the Lake County Jail is in effect until further notice.
Video visitation continues to be available and should be the primary form of visitation used by all, Paulich said.
Further information on the video visitation system can be found at http://thevisitor.icsenforcer.com/index.php/jail-information/166-lakca .
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office values visitation as an essential part of rehabilitation, but at this time the department must make difficult decisions in order to protect the health and wellness of all who live in, work in, and visit our jail,” Paulich said.
Paulich said family visits and legal visits will be held as scheduled. He said family visitation will only be extended to a spouse or domestic partner, children, parents and siblings.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office values the time and talents that so many community members share with incarcerated people for tours, rehabilitative programs and for other positive activities, Paulich said. However, the Lake County Jail is canceling all non-essential events or tours.
For smaller events, organizers should work closely with the jail command staff to discuss concerns or to coordinate rescheduling. If the decision is to cancel a program event, Paulich said the jail staff will work with organizers to the best of their ability to reschedule, while also taking into consideration the security and scheduling needs of the jail.
Paulich said everyone is urged to practice good judgment when planning a jail visit. Those feeling ill or display any symptoms of illness should not enter the jail facility. All jail visits are subject to cancelation with little or no notice. People planning to visit the jail should take that into consideration when making plans.
Staff at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are working to prepare for a scenario where COVID-19 significantly affects operations, Paulich said.
Paulich said they will continue to ensure the safety and security of the people who live and work in our institutions, and the continuation of access to medical, dental and mental health services for incarcerated people.
Paulich said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is taking the following steps regarding COVID-19:
Preparation
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to address exposure to COVID-19 through infection control practices already in place to prevent the spread of any communicable diseases.
Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and to ensure we are as prepared as possible to respond to any exposure to COVID-19 specifically, they are building upon the robust influenza infection control guidelines already in place at the jail.
If there is a suspected case of COVID-19, the agency will follow the policies and procedures already in place for modified programming for any affected housing units.
They will continue to update guidelines for COVID-19 response based on CDC recommendations and will maintain cooperation with local and state health departments and the law enforcement community.
Staff
The sheriff’s office has worked continuously to keep staff informed of the evolving situation, including providing information from CDC and the Public Health agencies on how they can protect themselves against COVID-19. It has also provided staff with cleaning and disinfecting kits specialized for the COVID-19 virus.
Communication
To keep members of the population, employees and visitors informed, Lake County Public Health Department has created fact sheets and the sheriff’s office has them posted through the facility.
The agency also has provided the incarcerated population with hospital-grade disinfectant and cleaning supplies to encourage them to maintain a clean living environment.
Transportation
For incarcerated people who are coming into the Lake County Jail for any reason, a comprehensive health screening and assessment is being completed by health care professionals.
The screening includes examining the inmate’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration screenings. They are also asked a series of questions about their state of health and travel history.
Patients with emergent medical needs will be transported to the local hospital for advanced care and to determine the appropriate level of care.
Entering the Lake County Jail
Many people visit the jail facility every day as rehabilitative program providers, contractors and volunteers. They are urged not to enter the jail, or take part in a program if they have symptoms of illness.
The sheriff’s office understands staff, families, and those who visit state prisons as program providers or volunteers may have concerns and anxiety about COVID-19, but please know that the safety and security of all is our top priority.
Everyone should follow the precautions recommended by CDC, which expand upon precautions advised during cold and flu season.
However, if you are displaying symptoms please do not come inside the Jail facility until you are well.
Stay up to date on CDC's COVID-19 response and prevention recommendations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html .
Sheriff’s office cancels normal jail visits as part of COVID-19 prevention strategy
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On