FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
March 11, 2020 (617) 704-6682
SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT TAKING
PROACTIVE STEPS AGAINST THREAT OF COVID-19
Amidst the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department has begun the implementation of proactive measures that are designed to prevent potential exposure to the virus by staff and the men and women in Department care and custody.
The Department is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation closely, and, thus far, there have been a limited-but-growing number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. As of March 10th, there was 1 confirmed case and 91 presumptive cases in Massachusetts, with 20 of these cases occurring within the communities of Suffolk County.
In accordance with state guidelines and recommendations, the Department is taking steps to minimize the possible exposure of staff and inmates and detainees, and to maintain a safe work place by reviewing, and where necessary, adopting new practices to protect the health of all employees and inmates while we continue to perform the Department’s mission.
The Department is taking the following steps:
With respect to the temporary suspension of inmate and detainee visits, the Department will be providing the opportunity for them to make a call to family members and friends to notify them of the temporary restriction. Attorneys will continue to have access to Department facilities for client visits.
For more information concerning visits and/or contacting your friend or loved one, call the House of Correction at: (617) 635-1000 x2007 or the Suffolk County Jail at: (617) 635-1100 x3001.
For additional information about COVID-19, please visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control at: www.cdc.gov and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19