LAWTON – Despite the fact that “social distancing” is unobtainable at the Comanche County Detention Center, jail officials say they have implemented safety guidelines for staff and inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jail Administrator William Hobbs explained that as far as social distancing is concerned, at CCDC, “There is none.”
In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections said they are adhering to guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, Oklahoma State Department of Health and the American Correctional Association.
Taking the “Management of Pandemic Influenza” into account, an ODOC press release stated that all inmate security movements are suspended, and new inmate arrivals will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
Housing 349 inmates at CCDC, Hobbs said staff have been adhering to the recommended policies and check- ing inmates for signs of illness upon arrival. Any detainee that registers a high temperature will reportedly be separated until further testing can be provided.
To date, no positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed at CCDC, Hobbs said.
“We’ve had one with pneumonia and a couple with the flu, but nothing major,” he said.
In addition, correctional employees are also required to pass a health screening prior to the start of their shift. An ODOC press release stated,” If they exhibit symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath or a cough, they will be required to return home.”
CCDC does have one employee that has not yet returned to work under the current circumstances. According to Hobbs, the employee was recently near a “friend of a friend” at Fort Sill. While the employee has shown no signs of illness, Hobbs says all precautions are being taken.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, ODOC suspended all visitation and volunteer access as of Friday, March 17. Attorney access has not been impaired.
Although visitors don’t normally have direct contact with inmates at CCDC, Hobbs explained the precaution will prevent people from gathering in the lobby while waiting to visit, potentially exposing themselves or others to the virus.
Information provided by ODOC states, “To lessen strain on inmates and their families, ODOC officials have established an agreement to provide each inmate with two free five-minute-long phone calls each week.”
The agreement will continue until April 14.
A free supply of antibacterial soap will also be available to all state inmates after state vendor, Keefe Group, reportedly donated 25,000 bars to ODOC.
At CCDC, Hobbs says detainees have expressed main concerns about whether or not the facility stocks plenty of toilet paper and soap.
“They just want to be kept informed of the coronavirus situation,” said Hobbs. “Of course, they watch the news, but they’d rather hear about the situation from us.”
Hobbs said CCDC does keep plenty of supplies on hand and to squash any worries, inmates were issued extra toilet paper along with additional soap.