Coronavirus: Santa Clara Sheriff Suspends Social Jail Visits

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily suspended all social visits to inmates at the Main Jail in San Jose and the Elmwood Correctional Complex in Milpitas.

All scheduled social visits have been cancelled during a three-week shelter-in-place order issued by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in an effort to contain the new coronavirus.

The shelter-in-place will remain in effect through April 7.

The suspension won’t impact legal visits.

“The Sheriff’s Office values visitation as an essential part of our jail operations, but at this time, the health and wellness of all those who work, live, and visit in our facilities must be protected,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

“We will continue to ensure the safety and security of the people who work in our facilities and the continuation of access to medical and mental health services for the inmate population.”

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Santa Clara County Jail facilities but three inmates are being held in isolation for 14 days due to a possible exposure by a visitor, the Sheriff’s Office said.

None of those inmates have shown symptoms associated to COVID-19, but they are being monitored by medical professionals.

The Sheriff’s Office has collaborated with Global Tel Link to gift inmates two 5- minute calls per week. Aramark who will continue to allow inmates to order additional phone card minutes.