The Michigan Department of Corrections has halted all visits to state prisons due to the coronavirus.
Chris Gautz is a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He said as far as he knows the move is unprecedented in the state’s history.
“There have been no reported cases of coronavirus in any prisons anywhere in the country. We hope to keep it that way, especially here in Michigan. One of the ways we think we can do that is to limit the number of people who are coming into our facility.”
Gatz said staff will also be screened before entering the facility.
“And then they will have their temperature check taken. If their temperature is above 100.4 they will not be allowed to work that day and will be sent home and use sick leave.”
Gatuz said illnesses can spread quickly throughout a prison because there are so many people in a confined area.
The ban on visitors is indefinite.