The Nevada Department of Corrections has suspended visitation statewide due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases among offenders.
“Our first priority is the safety of staff and offenders in our custody,” William Quenga, deputy director for the Nevada Department of Corrections, said in a release. “While we understand the tremendous value of visiting with friends and loved ones, we must prioritize health and well-being.”
The department will continue to monitor positive cases and will update the policy accordingly.
The NDOC reported 48 positive offender cases in November. So far, 209 offenders have tested positive in January. Among staff, 29 tested positive in November and 210 in January.
Protocols at each institution require all staff and offenders to wear N95 masks, which are provided by the department. All staff members are tested daily for COVID-19 before entering any institution.
NDOC is reporting 1,771 of its 2,305 employees are fully vaccinated – 76.8%. Of the 10,001 offenders, 6,767 are fully vaccinated, for a rate of 67.66%.
