Heidi M. flew from London to Nevada last week to go to Lovelock Correctional Center and visit a loved one whom she had only seen once in the past two years. 

Shortly after her arrival, she found out through social media that the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) temporarily paused all visits as a “precaution” amid rising COVID-19 cases. 

Several other members with Return Strong Families United for Justice for the Incarcerated also told The Nevada Independent they have either not seen their loved one or have barely seen them in two years because of previous pandemic-related visitation suspensions, travel distance or delays in visitor applications, among other reasons.  

“I flew out for a visit which was all set up and confirmed. There’s been loads of extra work that needed to be done because I was traveling a long way — lots more paperwork,” said Heidi M., who asked to be identified only by her first name and last initial because of the work she does. “I then saw on Facebook that the Nevada Department of Corrections put about two sentences out saying visits are now suspended.” 

She was granted an exception because of the distance she had traveled and was able to see her loved one behind glass.

According to a press release sent Monday, NDOC’s protocols include requiring all staff and inmates to wear N95 masks and testing staff members daily for COVID-19 before they enter any facility. So far in January, 209 inmates and 210 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, compared to November figures of 48 inmates and 29 staff members.

Read the entire article here: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/families-of-inmates-frustrated-over-sudden-suspension-in-visits

The portion of the article is shared as part of our collaboration with The Nevada Independent. This story was originally published on January 13, 2022 and written by Jannelle Calderon.