Amid Visitation Cancellations, Ga Dept. of Corrections Waives Medical Copays & Adds Free Calls

All visitation times for Georgia Department of Corrections facilities across the state have been canceled, but additional measures have been put in place – to include the waiving of medical co-pays for symptomatic offenders.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) announced Monday that it is responding with all available resources to help prevent the potential introduction and spread of Coronavirus (COVID – 19) into state facilities.

“As we continue to work closely with Governor Kemp’s office, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to coordinate the appropriate response to this evolving situation, the GDC has implemented a phased approach, to include planning and education, preparedness and response.”

Specific protocols have been put in place to proactively address the health and welfare of those in custody, to include the following:

• Suspended visitation through April 10, 2020
• Suspended volunteer visits to facilities, out of an abundance of caution
• Partnered with Securus Technologies and JPay to provide each offender with the following, until further notice:
  • one (1) free fifteen-minute phone call each week beginning March 14, 2020
  • two (2) free e-stamps each week beginning March 17, 2020
• Waived $5.00 medical co-pay for offenders exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, effective March 13, 2020, until further notice
• Quantities of hand soap and hand sanitizer have been increased at all facilities
• Enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols at all facilities, and for all transportation vehicles, to include designating additional Sanitation Officers
• Enhanced medical screening protocols for staff, contractors, vendors, or any individual entering our facilities
• Enhanced screening process for offenders
• Enhanced diagnostic intake screening for offenders entering GDC custody
  • Symptomatic offenders with exposure risk factors will be isolated and tested for COVID-19 per health authority protocols
• Temporarily suspending attorney visits, although individual cases will be reviewed
• Suspended non-essential offender movement across GDC facilities, effective March 3, 2020, until further notice
• Ongoing notification and education of staff and inmate population
• Suspended all facility tours through April 10, 2020

Additional updates will be provided via our website and social media channels.