INDIANAPOLIS — Coronavirus concerns have reached the Indiana Department of Correction.
Chief Communications Officer Dave Bursten says there are no known cases of the virus among staff or offenders at state prisons, but as a precaution, visitation at seven facilities has been suspended indefinitely.
The announcement was made Monday. Here are the facilities:
- Heritage Trail Correctional Facility in Hendricks County
- Indiana State Prison in LaPorte County
- Indiana Women's Prison in Indianapolis
- LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility in LaPorte County
- Plainfield Correctional Facility in Hendricks County
- Reception Diagnostic Center in Hendricks County
- Westville Correctional Facility in LaPorte County
According to the Department of Correction, the seven prison facilities were identified for temporary suspension of visitations because they are in or near an urban location where a member of the public has been identified as being infected by the coronavirus.
"I know how important visitations are to offenders and to their families and friends, but the overriding concern is to limit the opportunity of COVID-19 being introduced into our facilities," said IDOC Commissioner Rob Carter. "I've directed my staff to assess the need for continued visitation restrictions on a daily basis, and when responsible to do so, restrictions will be lifted, or if necessary, expanded to other facilities to protect staff and offenders."
