Coronavirus: Louisiana prisons suspend inmate visitations amid COVID-19 surge

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections on Tuesday suspended both inmate visitation and volunteering at all eight state-run prisons amid a recent surge in COVID-19 infections statewide.

The measures take effect immediately and will remain in place until at least Aug. 16., KLFY reported.

>> Read more trending news

“The Department has taken this precautionary measure to protect its staff and prisoner populations and will review and reconsider the need for these measures on August 16, 2021,” the department stated in a news release.

According to KADN, prisoners will still be allotted two free phone calls per week to “ensure inmates have continued connection to family and friends during this event.” Video calling will also remain available to inmates for a fee.

Meanwhile, all staff and vendors entering the facilities will be screened with temperature checks and routine medical questions, KLFY reported.

According to the news release, roughly 68% of inmates incarcerated in Louisiana’s state-run prisons have voluntarily chosen to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and the department continues to make vaccinations available to all inmates.

Click here to learn more.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does


On Air99.5 KISS FM - KISS Rocks San Antonio Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about kissrocks.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!