Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Gwinnett County jail stops in-person visitation due to coronavirus

This is one of the empty housing units at the Gwinnett County Detention Center.
This is one of the empty housing units at the Gwinnett County Detention Center.
By Amanda C. Coyne
March 17, 2020

Gwinnett County Detention Center inmates will no longer receive in-person visitation due to concerns about the coronavirus.

The decision to stop guests from entering the jail was made Monday, according to Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Shannon Volkodav. Guests had previously been allowed, but only after having their temperature taken with a touch-free infrared thermometer. If a guest’s temperature was elevated, they were not allowed in.

READ | Metro Atlanta police adjust operations, services amid coronavirus

Inmates still have access to video calls, email and phone call, Volkodav said. The decision to bar in-person visits was made in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All employees at the jail still have their temperature taken before entering the building. There are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus in the jail or among the ranks of the sheriff’s office.

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About the Author

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.

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