   |  COVID-19 Update- April 17, 2020 The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) is continuing their effort to mitigate impact of the COVID-19 virus. To date there have been no reported positive cases within the WDOC inmate population. A staff member from the Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) who tested positive for the virus last week has made a full recovery according to the Wyoming Department of Health. No other cases among WDOC staff have been reported. In the last two weeks, approximately 30 inmates from the WWC, the Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP), and the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) have been voluntarily working extended shifts at their facilities to produce cloth utility masks (referred to as “sneeze guards”) for the entire WDOC staff and inmate population. The masks are being manufactured through the WDOC’s Correctional Industries (CI) Program. Everyone working inside a WDOC facility – to include the Department’s 25 Field Offices, Central Office, and five correctional facilities – is now required to wear a department-issued sneeze guard in compliance with CDC recommendations. Multiple sneeze guards are being issued to individuals, as the masks are intended to be worn only one day before being laundered. The sneeze guards have been made in two colors- orange for inmates and white for staff. Over 10,000 masks have been made between WWC, WMCI and WSP as of April 16. The masks are made from twill and poplin materials in the CI inventory which are used to make staff and inmate uniforms. Non-staff members, such as construction workers or vendors, will be given a disposable mask if they do not have one and be required to wear it at all times when they are inside a WDOC facility. Inmate visitations are still suspended at this time. Inmates within the CI program are also making clear plastic face shields and water resistant isolation gowns that might be used to supplement face masks in higher risk areas. These will also be distributed should the need arise. The WDOC continues to practice other CDC recommendations such as monitoring the temperature of individuals entering the worksite, increasing sanitation efforts, and frequent handwashing. Many staff are teleworking from home when possible in order to help with social distancing inside facilities. Several Wyoming businesses have recently made donations to help the Department. NAPA Auto Parts in Riverton provided Corizon, the WDOC’s contract medical provider, with 60 pairs of Tyvek coveralls which can be used as personal protective equipment. In addition, Pine Bluffs Distillery donated 20 cases of their homemade hand sanitizer to the Department, and more is on the way. The WDOC is in the process of distributing the sanitizer to all facilities and field offices within its jurisdiction. The Department is grateful to both businesses for their generosity. COVID-19 Update- April 10, 2020 The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) has one staff member from the Wyoming Women’s Center in Lusk who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The staff member’s access within the institution was very limited and as a result there does not appear to have been any heightened risk to inmates. Four additional staff members who had extended direct contact with the confirmed person are currently on self-quarantine, but have not been symptomatic. To date this is the only case of COVID-19 (suspected or confirmed) within the WDOC. On a separate note, inmates the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins and the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution in Torrington have been working to make PPE masks for all WDOC staff and inmates. This work is being done through the Department’s Correctional Industries Program. More information on this effort will be provided next week after protocols are in place. DOC Response to COVID-19 - March 18, 2020 A message to the public from Director Bob Lampert As you are all aware COVID-19 continues to be a significant and continuing public health risk. The State of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of Corrections have developed plans to maintain the health and safety of our staff members, those incarcerated, and the public. In the coming days, we anticipate we will need to take additional steps as the situation evolves. As of today, March 18, 2020, the Wyoming Department of Corrections has no reported cases of staff or incarcerated individuals with COVID-19. However, there are a number of changes to normal operations that may affect the public. Visitation and Volunteer Programs Based on the current emergency situation, we have made changes to inmate visitation and programming to protect our staff and population. Effective today, March 18, 2020 inmate visitation and volunteer programs are temporarily suspended at all WDOC locations. Attorney/legal visitation will be restricted to non-contact or video/phone conference. In the event of an extraordinary circumstance, the WDOC may approve limited contact visitation when absolutely necessary. As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate and monitor these restrictions on a weekly basis. Site Access We have implemented enhanced screening for all staff, visitors, contractors, program staff and incarcerated individuals entering our facilities to include taking temperatures and completing a screening questionnaire. This process will be implemented on a 24/7 basis and will occur prior to any person entering the secure perimeter of a total confinement facility. Any person unable to pass the security screening parameters will be denied access to the facility. This will be mandatory for anyone entering the area including employees, vendors, contractors and others. Testing and Monitoring WDOC’s health services team has developed a specific protocol for COVID-19 screening, testing and infection control that they are updating regularly. The inmate population will be closely monitored for anyone who exhibits signs or symptoms of the virus who can then be seen by the appropriate medical professionals for evaluation and/or testing.
We want to thank all those affected for their patience and understanding during this difficult period. _______________________________________________________________________________________ You've had jobs before, but what about a career? Working for the Wyoming Department of Corrections gives you the opportunity to discover what you can be and the chance to make a difference every day. Plus, you’ll do more than earn a living, you’ll build a foundation for your future with competitive pay, real benefits, and a 20-year retirement plan.  Joining the WDOC means you can have a challenging, rewarding career and raise your family in a small town you’ll be glad to call home. Plus, you can explore the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Cowboy State and experience an outdoor lifestyle that offers opportunities to fish, hunt, camp, and more.  WDOC by the Numbers We operate 5 total facilities including, Four male facilities:
 Primary Functions of the Wyoming Department of Corrections
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