State prisons end inmate visits

The Brillion News

The state Department of Corrections has suspended all inmate visiting privileges for now, due to COVID-19 concerns.

All visits, including volunteer visits, are temporarily suspended at all Department of Corrections Institutions.

"We take our responsibility to protect staff and persons in our care very seriously, and out of an abundance of caution are taking actions to minimize the risk of bringing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) into facilities," the DOC said in a statement issued on Friday, March 13.

Several other state correctional agencies in the Midwest have made this decision as well,

"DOC understands that this will greatly impact persons under our care and their families, and will be reviewing this decision on a daily basis. We will be actively looking into expanding the methods of communication we use during the time visits are suspended," the press statement said,

The agency said all professional visits with inmates will continue, it will make accommodations for phone calls and video conferences/visits, or non-contact visits whenever possible.

The Outagamie County Sheriff's Department said its jail administration has made a similar decision affecting people detained in the jail in Appleton.

"In an abundance of caution, and to protect the safety of inmates and staff, the Outagamie County Jail is limiting inmate visitation to necessary professionals only due to COVID-19. Inmate visitation, programming and activities are suspended until further notice," the statement issued on March 12 said

The sheriff's department said its jail administration will continually re-evaluate the situation.