Newsroom, Arlington County: Sheriff's Office Announces Modified Reopening Visitation Plan

Arlington VA

27 April, 2021

5:11 PM

Description

Press release from the Arlington County Government: April 26, 2021 Sheriff Beth Arthur has announced a modified reopening of in-person visitation for those remanded to the Arlington County Detention Center. Relatives and friends will regain the ability to visit loved ones in person beginning May 1. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visitation at the Arlington County Detention Center has been suspended for more than a year . "We recognize the value of in-person visitation for individuals remanded to the Detention Center and the importance of maintaining family and community ties. We have worked hard to create a safe plan to slowly bring back visitation," said Sheriff Arthur. Visits will need to be scheduled in advance by the individual remanded to custody. They will be allowed one in-person visit a month on their designated day as the detention center safely and slowly returns to in-person visits. All visits are non-contact, meaning family and friends are behind glass, minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. A schedule has been created based upon housing assignments, and each person will coordinate their scheduled visit on their designated day, Saturday or Sunday, each month from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. No more than two people, ages 18 and over, can visit at a time to allow for social distancing. The Sheriff's Office asks that visitors arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment to allow for a COVID-19 screening and check-in. The agency will continue to offer two free video visits Monday through Friday for each individual remanded to the Detention Center. Please check sheriff.arlingtonva.us for additional information about visitation. "My staff has done an outstanding job ensuring the safest operations for those incarcerated, the public, and each other throughout this pandemic," said Sheriff Arthur. The agency will continue daily cleanings of the Detention Center, and visitor areas will be cleaned after each visit. Visitors are asked not to visit if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and, have been exposed to COVID-19 or have tested positive within 10 days of your visit. The Sheriff's Office will continue to work with the Arlington County Health Department and follow CDC guidelines as it navigates getting back to a new version of normal for the agency. Find news releases and other ACSO information at sheriff.arlingtonva.us This press release was produced by the Arlington County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.