LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) said it has "enhanced" staff coronavirus screenings at department buildings.
Before entering a NDCS building, staff must now undergo a series of questions to determine if they are presenting symptoms or may have had contact with someone who has coronavirus.
“This is the same screening process that we have been using with visitors, contractors and others who require entry into our facilities,” said NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes. “We have now expanded it to include staff members.”
Prior to the new procedure, staff were asked to self-monitor and report the possibility of illness up the chain of command.
At this point, the NDCS says it has not had a confirmed case of the coronavirus among staff or inmates and that it has implemented exposure prevention procedures inside prison walls.
“For example, we have reduced group sizes to less than 10, and are enforcing social distancing. We have changed our meal time practices to avoid having large groups of people in the dining halls. Even when inmates are exercising outside, we have directed them to maintain social distancing,” noted Dir. Frakes.