Texas will allow in-person visitations at state prisons and jails beginning next week as the state reopens a year after the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced eligible inmates will be allowed two face-to-face visits each month, but in keeping social distancing precautions in place, only one adult will be allowed to visit at a time and may do so only for an hour. Video visits will not be included in an inmate’s allotted visitor sessions.
“The TDCJ believes it can safely resume limited face-to-face visits and access to volunteers with appropriate safety measures in place,” the agency said in a press release. Registration began on Wednesday, and in-person visitations at all units statewide will resume on Monday.
Visitors will need to complete a 15-minute rapid COVID-19 test before entry, and they must remain in their vehicles until the test is completed and the results are negative. Visitors will also be required to wear masks, and staff assigned to visitation areas will be required to wear N95 masks and gloves.
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The department said it plans to keep video visitation in place and offer ways to keep inmates in touch with their families during the pandemic.
“Understanding the importance of communication with loved ones, the agency expanded access to the offender telephone system, introduced video visitation which will remain, and implemented other creative opportunities to keep incarcerated individuals and their families connected during the pandemic,” the agency said.
The department suspended visitation last March after Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration over the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
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Wednesday also marked the first day of Texas lifting its mask mandate and all restrictions on businesses.
Texas has recorded more than 2.7 million COVID-19 cases and more than 45,000 deaths related to the virus.
