Indianapolis, Ind.— Beginning March 18, 2020, to lessen strain on offenders and their loved ones the result the COVID-19 virus, Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) officials worked with the telephone and video service provider to permit each eligible offender the opportunity for two five-minute-long phone calls, as well as one video visit of either 10 or 25 minutes each week and fee free. This agreement runs through April 14, 2020.

"We recognize the importance of in-person visits by friends and family, but we cannot afford the risk this poses to potentially introduce the COVID-19 virus into our facilities," stated Commissioner Rob Carter.

As released last Wednesday, visitation remains suspended at all Indiana Department of Correction facilities. This decision was precautionary in nature and was made in the interest of the health and safety of IDOC staff and offenders. It is important to note there are no known cases of COVID-19 among any staff or offenders at any IDOC facility.

To learn more about actions related to COVID-19 taken by the Indiana Department of Correction click this link.

For more information on the telephone and video service provider click this link.

To learn more about COVID-19 click this link to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) website where you can subscribe to ISDH email updates, or click this link for the Center for Disease Control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) information.