Erie County Jails in New York have suspended in-person visits due to a surge in Covid-19 cases among incarcerated individuals. The decision was announced by Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia on Tuesday and went into effect immediately at both the Holding Center downtown and the Correctional Facility in Alden. The Division of Correctional Health within the jail has confirmed 15 cases of Covid-19 among the incarcerated population, and more cases are expected as contact tracing and test results continue to come in.
Sheriff Garcia highlighted the need to prioritize the health and safety of the incarcerated population by limiting their exposure to the virus. He acknowledged that in-person visits are beneficial to both inmates and their families but emphasized the importance of following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for congregate settings. The Sheriff’s Office plans to review the possibility of resuming in-person visits once the infection rates within the facilities decrease.
Public health officials have observed an increase in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in the region since the summer. They are strongly encouraging the public to get vaccinated against the virus. The recent suspension of in-person visits at Erie County’s jails aligns with efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and protect vulnerable populations within correctional facilities.
As the pandemic continues, authorities and institutions are continually adapting their protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff members. Monitoring infection rates, contact tracing, and implementing preventive measures remains crucial in managing the virus’s spread within congregate settings.
