Sheriff’s Office, detention staff adjust to COVID-19
Courthouse still open; jail makes visitation adjustments

CAMP VERDE — Folks in all types of work environments are making adjustments to attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus — even those in positions of authority.

While foot traffic at the Yavapai County Courthouse in Camp Verde continues as normal, out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our employees and the community, all other public lobbies managed by the county Sheriff’s Office will be closed until further notice.

The State Supreme Court directed all jury trials to be postponed until April 17 at the earliest.

This includes YCSO facilities in both Prescott and Camp Verde, and it means the lobby of the Camp Verde Detention Center is closed.

“Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated,” reads a YCSO news release about the closure.

The closure means citizens will need to contact the Sheriff’s Office or the jail in other ways, such as by calling the Sheriff’s Office for non-emergency issues at 928-771-3260 or the Camp Verde Detention Center at 928-567-7734.

And as always, call 911 for emergencies.

Inmate visitation at the Detention Center is not being barred. However, all visitors will have their temperatures taken on the way in. Also, visitors will be escorted in one at a time, rather than having groups congregate in the lobby.

Staff will also be monitoring for symptoms of illness and discouraging visitors from entering the Detention Center. Inmates are screened when they are booked into custody.

Wexford Health Sources has handled healthcare services for Yavapai County inmates for many years. It issued a statement about COVID-19 safety.

“Yavapai County Detention, in connection with their contracted correctional healthcare provider, Wexford Health Sources, Inc., has had in place since 2008 an intake process that follows Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and Federal Bureau of Prisons recommendations for identifying potential contagious persons,” the statement reads.

Everyone booked into detention is screened for fever, medical conditions including respiratory symptoms, questioned about recent travel and exposure to persons who have travelled recently.

“Anyone suspected of being contagious is isolated following CDC’s recommendations,” WHS says.


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