Sonoma County Jails Suspend Some Inmate Visits Amid Coronavirus

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office on Thursday evening suspended all in-person visits to inmates in county jails and detention centers, citing "evolving and unpredictable" circumstances concerning the potential for community spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Regular non-contact visits will continue and will be evaluated daily, according to Assistant Sheriff Al Vernon.

Officials with the Detention Division said they're aware the decision to suspend contact visits with inmates — except legal visits — may cause hardships on inmates and their families and friends.

"We realize the ability to maintain positive relationships with loved ones will be challenged," Vernon said. "We have not made this decision lightly, but under the circumstances and in consultation with medical experts, we believe it is the best way to safeguard the health of those in our custody, the staff responsible for their caretaking, and the community."

The sheriff’s office has established protocols and procedures to proactively prevent the potential exposure of COVID-19 in its detention facilities, and said guidelines are in place to provide for the prevention of transmission, management of suspected or confirmed cases, and routine facility cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

"One of the Detention Division’s primary goals is to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates within our care as well as community members who visit our facilities," Vernon said.