We are taking a number of steps to do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 from coming into facilities while also adapting our operations with the belief that there’s a chance it might already be in a facility. Every person entering any DOC facility has a mandatory screening for existing symptoms. Those who are experiencing certain symptoms identified by health experts are required to go home. They cannot return until they are cleared by a doctor. Staff must also be sent home if they are experiencing a new, acute condition such as fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. We are also implementing processes to limit admissions to only certain facilities and are implementing intensified screening, observation, and isolation protocols for new intakes.
Every person entering the facility is required to wash their hands immediately when they enter. Additionally, MINNCOR produced new sanitizing stations that have been placed at strategic points throughout facilities to avoid cross-contamination between separate units. We have also distributed additional soap so every inmate can wash their hands frequently.
We are also identifying medically high-risk inmates and reorganizing some living situations to better protect health.
With guidance from the Department of Health, facilities are developing their own individual plans to keep facility programming and other activity operational for as long as possible, while implementing conditions that allow for as much social distancing as possible. This includes education, recreation, flag time, work assignments, treatment, and other programs.
And health staff have updated protocols for handling potential cases of COVID-19 if someone is experiencing those symptoms.
It is also critical inmates do what is in their power to help keep themselves healthy. We are encouraging everyone to follow good hygiene practices, to clean their cells regularly, and to practice social distancing when possible, including during flag time and rec.
