Massachusetts Department of Correction announces in-person visits to resume soon

Milford — The Massachusetts Department of Correction announced that in-person visits will resume at all facilities on September 28 in a way that balances the benefits of visitation with the need for vigilance against COVID-19.

As with other reopening strategies across the Commonwealth, DOC’s approach is guided by public health data and focused on its responsibility to those living and working in its facilities. In anticipation of this next phase, visitors may schedule a visit via phone and obtain additional information about health and safety protocols. Personal visits are limited during this phase to one visit per inmate per week, with up to two visitors at a time, and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Attorney visits remain ongoing and unaffected by this change.

Upon arrival and prior to entering the facility, visitors will participate in a standard screening process where they will answer questions about their health and have their temperatures taken. Visitors will be required to use hand sanitizer before the visiting period and face coverings will be worn at all times, both by visitors and inmates. Visits will take place in designated areas without physical contact, with a physical barrier between the visitor and inmate. At the conclusion of the visit, all visitors will again use hand sanitizer before exiting the facility. In addition to the alcohol-based hand sanitizer, restrooms with soap and running water are fully accessible. All high-touch areas are sanitized between visits and at the end of the visiting period.

General, in-person visitation was suspended temporarily in March to protect the health and safety of inmates and staff from COVID-19. In early July, the DOC started the phased resumption of in-person visitation with health and safety precautions at Northeastern Correctional Center and Pondville Correctional Center. Shortly thereafter, four additional minimum/pre-release facilities began receiving in-person visitors. As of September 22, 2020, these facilities have accommodated more than 1,200 visitors.