Orange County California Jails institutes changes and makes accommodations in response to COVID-19 on March 20 2020.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has instituted changes and accommodations based on directives handed down by federal, state and local authorities.
The OCSD has implemented measures in response to COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of the public, personnel and those in custody in Orange County Jail facilities.
As health authorities continue to assess the evolving situation and adopt new recommendations, the Sheriff’s Department will continue to re-evaluate these temporary protocols and make changes, as necessary, with safety remaining the department’s primary mission.
“The Orange County community is facing an unprecedented challenge, and the Sheriff’s Department has worked effectively and expediently in our response across divisions,” said Don Barnes, Sheriff-Coroner.
“The custody setting presents unique and complex dynamics that we proactively are addressing to protect those in our custody and who work in our facilities.
We also are making accommodations to preserve aspects proven to be important for rehabilitation.”
To date, no inmates have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but in the interest of health and safety, the Sheriff’s Department has instituted changes.
OCSD Institutes Changes in OC Jails
Enhanced screening for jail intake in partnership with the Orange County Healthcare Agency.
Temperature screening for every person who enters our jail facilities, including inmates, Sheriff’s personnel and outside agencies booking an inmate.
If an inmate shows flu-like symptomology, the inmate will be rehoused and isolated from the general population. The Health Care Agency’s Correctional Health Services staff will monitor the inmate and will determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary. Once the inmate is not symptomatic, they will be cleared for rehousing.
Ensure all inmates are receiving adequate cleaning materials for housing areas and soap for personal hygiene.
Temporarily suspended visitation, with the exception of attorney, bail bonds and law enforcement visits.
Temporarily suspended programming conducted by outside volunteers and contractors. The Sheriff’s Department currently is looking into ways to enhance programming, including religious services, while following the directives of our healthcare partners. Programs administered by Sheriff’s Department personnel are ongoing.
All contractor access has been suspended, with the exception of specific projects vital to addressing the COVID-19 issue.
Each inmate will receive two, free five-minute calls per week.
Inmates unable to purchase stationary supplies will be provided pre-stamped envelopes, paper and pencils.
Additional Resources
Orange County Sheriff’s Deparment
Orange County Emergency Operations Center Facebook Page
Alert OC
AlertOC is a mass notification system designed to keep Orange County, California residents and businesses informed of emergencies that may require immediate life saving actions.
Orange County Public Health (COVID-19) Information Page is Online
Orange County Public Health (COVID-19) Health Referral Hotline Number is 1 (800) 564-8448
California Department of Public Health (COVID-19) Information is Online
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (COVID-19) Information is Online
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