Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary, sent out a memo to all residents and family members regarding a number of free phone and video visits while in-person visitation is closed. The text of that message is below:

Last week we had to make the difficult decision to suspend visitation at all Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) facilities to reduce the exposure of COVID-19 to our residents. Please know that your health and safety is of utmost importance to us and we will do everything we can to keep our facilities clean and safe. While you are unable to see your loved one in person, we want to ensure you have a means available to keep in touch.

Effective at Noon on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, we will be offering (2) two free 15-minute phone visits and (3) three free 30-minute video visits per week to our residents. This will remain in effect until the visitation restrictions can be lifted. For families, you can view more information about video visits at the bottom of this web page: https://www.centurylinkcorrections.com/facilities/ks_doc.html

I would also like to remind you of the steps you can take to help prevent COVID-19. The most important thing we can all do to reduce the potential impact of COVID-19 is to take precautionary measures to protect our own health. If you have not already adopted these into your routine, please take these steps:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
  
  

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, cough and fever. If you have any of those symptoms, please report it immediately. There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization. Your individual effort to prevent illness is needed and appreciated.

The nature of this virus is changing rapidly, and we are in constant review and evaluation of our policies and procedures. We will be in touch again with any pertinent updates and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.