Del. Department of Corrections strengthening COVID-19 precautions and screenings

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Corrections announced on Monday that they have proactively further enhanced their COVID-19 operating procedures to build on rigorous screenings, protections, and cleanings already in place to keep employees and inmates safe and healthy.

DOC Commissioner Claire DeMatteis said that the DOC does not currently have any known cases of COVID-19. Five inmates have been tested and all results are negative.

Every person, including staff, contractors, volunteers, and delivery persons, entering a DOC facility will undergo screenings that consist of a series of questions and a forehead temperature check with a thermometer. New inmates will undergo a medical screening at intake, including COVID-19 related questions and temperature check, and newly arriving inmates are now held in a separate housing unit for 14 days to receive close monitoring by medical staff.

Every DOC facility has prepared separate isolation areas to be used to house inmates who show symptoms of respiratory infection and fever.

In addition, beginning immediately, the DOC is only allowing work release offenders to report to employers that employ the same rigorous COVID-19 screening and cleaning procedures as the DOC.