The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) in consultation with the Department for Public Health, have taken proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. DOC is prepared to handle potential cases of COVID-19 within state-operated correctional institutions in Kentucky.

DOC is working diligently daily to minimize health risks and is committed to following the proposed guidance from the CDC for Correctional and Detention Facilities.

Below is a list of the key initiatives:

• Visitation has been suspended at all facilities.
• All outside programming and volunteer activity has been suspended to limit the number of people entering a facility.
• Transfers between institutions have been stopped with the exception of an operational or medical emergency. New inmates received at an institution are quarantined for 14 days prior to being incorporated with the general inmate population.
• All facilities have enhanced sanitization efforts using germicide and a bleach solution multiple times daily. DOC has also increased access to hand sanitizer for staff and soap for inmates, while also educating on the CDC guidance for mitigating the spread of germs. 
• Staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms every day upon entry. Anyone entering a DOC facility is required to sanitize hands and feet, receive a temperature scan, answer questions regarding recent travel activity and current health symptoms.
• Inmates in state prisons are receiving one free phone call per week and two free messages via a secure electronic mail system.
• All facilities have implemented social distancing, as much as feasible.
• The DOC has developed quarantine and medical isolation accommodations for symptomatic and exposed individuals across its facilities. If someone shows possible signs of COVID-19 the DOC medical team in partnership with the Department of Public Health will determine testing needs and next steps for those who exhibit COVID-related symptoms; this includes quarantining, medically isolating, or transferring the impacted to a hospital, as needed.
• Reentry Service Centers  (formerly known as halfway houses) are contracted facilities and each one has developed an individualized COVID-19 preparedness plan. These facilities are taking the necessary steps to adhere to the CDC guidelines and they provide daily reports to Kentucky DOC.  

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