Williamson County Sheriff's Office implements health precautions in corrections, jail facilities due to coronavirus concerns

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office announced in a March 18 news release steps it is taking to ensure the safety of employees, visitors and detainees in the corrections and jail facilities amid coronavirus concerns.

On March 16, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell issued an order stating community gatherings of 50 people or more anywhere in Williamson County have been prohibited for the next eight weeks to slow the transmission of the virus.

Sheriff Robert Chody has ordered all available resources to be focused on addressing the immediate public safety needs of the community while confronting the pandemic, the release said.

Here are the sheriff's office protocols until further notice:

• Enhanced medical screening will continue for prisoners and will be extended to peace officers, attorneys and all staff entering the facility.
• Medical staff will assess all incoming arrestees for COVID-19.
• If the arrestee is showing symptoms of the virus, the arresting officer will be redirected to take the arrestee to a hospital. The arrestee will not be accepted in the jail until cleared by a doctor.
• Pursuant to a recommendation from Texas Commission on Jail Standards, all face-to-face visits for inmates have been canceled until further notice except for attorney visits.
• Access to the jail will be limited to persons with a legitimate law enforcement purpose.