Visitation transitions to Phase 2 in Nevada prisons, mask mandate lifted for vaccinated staff, offenders
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Department of Corrections announced on Thursday, June 24, 2021, that all institutions will be transitioning to Phase 2 for visitation, effective immediately.
Under the new guidelines, fully vaccinated offenders will not be required to wear masks during visitation. However, all visitors will be required to wear a disposable or cloth face mask without valves, slits, or holes, regardless of vaccination status.
Phase 2 of visitation also allows offenders three visitors rather than two, visits will be increased to every two weeks and children as young as 2 may participate. Visits will remain in two-hour increments; however, out-of-state visitors may ask for an extended time by request to the Warden.
NDOC Director Charles Daniels said the decision to include every institution was based on current visitation numbers and the low rate of infection within NDOC facilities.
“We are looking to balance the mental-health and social well-being benefits to offenders and families afforded through visitation and the ongoing risk of COVID-19,” Daniels said. “Based on the number of visitors we’ve had over the past 30 days, we are confident we can increase visitors without compromising social-distancing standards.”
Out of an abundance of caution, protocols to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 will remain in effect. Visitors will still be required to pass a rapid test for coronavirus and masks will be required for the offenders and visitors throughout the visit.
“Correctional staff will continue to hold town hall meetings, post fliers and encourage offenders at each institution to get the vaccine,” said Brian Williams, NDOC Deputy Director of Operations. “We are continuously pushing the message of the benefits of vaccination.”
The Department also announced Thursday that face masks are no longer required for staff or offenders who have been fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Staff must submit proof of vaccination to Human Resources. Masks will remain a requirement for visitation regardless of vaccination status.
To schedule a visit or for more information, go to ndocvisitation.com. To read the updated mask policy, go to doc.nv.gov.