In-Person Visitation Suspended, Other Precautions in Place to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 Cases at Dauphin County Prison

Some pandemic restrictions are returning to Dauphin County Prison due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases at the prison.

As of Aug. 20, in-person visitation is suspended until further notice. Visitation will be held virtually.

Prison staff are also limiting the movements of inmates so to minimize risk of additional cases.

Additionally, prison staff will coordinate scheduling for case hearings with court staff.

As of Aug. 20, 36 inmates have tested positive, in addition to five staff members.

Most individuals testing positive have been symptomatic.

PrimeCare Medical clinical staff is treating patients. As of Aug. 20, there have been no hospitalizations.

The precautions and restrictions are in effort to contain spread.

“Safety of staff and inmates is top priority,” Dauphin County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Mike Pries said. “We recognize the restrictions, particularly regarding in-person visitation, are inconvenient, but we cannot put safety at risk.”

The Aug. 25 prison board meeting will be held virtually.

We will continue to notify the public of changes in procedures at the prison.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett Hambright, Press Secretary, 717-780-6311; bhambright@dauphinc.org.