COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Announcements


Division of Adult Institutions​ Use of Face Coverings

Thursday, June 4, 2020 (Last updated July 6, 2020)

The Department of Corrections (DOC) mandates the use of a mask or face coverings by staff as part of certain posts and positions such as in the health services areas, during any transports, and in quarantine and isolation areas.

The following Division of Adult Institution sites are requiring face masks for staff and persons in our care:   

  • ​Felmers Chaney Correctional Center
  • Marshall Sheerer Correctional Center
  • John Burke Correctional Center
  • Waupun Correctional Institution
  • Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility
  • Green Bay Correctional Institution
  • Taycheedah Correctional Institution
  • Milwaukee Women's Correctional Center
  • Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center
  • Racine Correctional Institution
  • Sturtevant Transitional Facility
  • Dodge Correctional Institution
  • Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility
  • Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution
  • Jackson Correctional Institution
  • Oakhill Correctional Institution
Additionally, all Wisconsin Correctional Center System (WCCS) and Wisconsin Women Correctional System (WWCS) sites are requiring face masks for staff and persons in our care.
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Division of Adult Institutions​ Admissions and Transfers

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

On March 23, 2020, Governor Evers issued Emergency Order #9,which instituted a moratorium on admissions to state prisons and juvenile facilities. This moratorium has expired and beginning June 1, 2020, intakes from county jails will resume. These operations will occur with modifications to limit the risk of potential exposure and spread of COVID-19 to the staff and the persons under our care.

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Video Visitations in the Division of Adult Institutions​

Thursday, May 28, 2020

​Beginning June 1, 2020, the Department of Corrections (DOC) will be expanding video visits to all persons in our care at Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility (RYOCF), Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI) and Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI). Video visitations are a free service being offered to persons in our care and their authorized visitors, and will be available while visitation is suspended in response to COVID-19 precautions. The Division of Adult Institutions is working to expand this initiative to other adult institutions and will do so as resources allow. This effort is part of the DOC’s overall mission during the ongoing public health crisis to enhance communication for those in our care and their loved ones. 

All persons in our care at these designated adult institutions are eligible to participate, and individual eligibility will be determined in accordance to department policies. A comprehensive list of rules and procedures related to this initiative will be provided to staff and persons in our care at their assigned institutions. Further details will be released on our public website as we expand this opportunity to additional institutions. In the future, the decision to reinstate in-person visitation schedules will be evaluated in consultation with the Department of Health Services.

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New Personal Care Package Program​

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Effective May 18, 2020, the Department of Corrections (DOC) will implement a Personal Care Package Program for persons in our care. This program allows family and friends to purchase approved personal care items for their loved ones at Wisconsin correctional facilities on a quarterly basis directly from Union Supply Group. Orders can be placed online at WIinmatepackage.com or by phone, fax, or mail. 

Additional details about the Personal Care Package Program, including eligibility criteria and spending limits, are listed in this memo.​

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Expanded Communication Methods for Persons in our Care

Friday, April 24, 2020

Because the suspension of visits greatly impacts persons in our care and their loved ones, the Department of Corrections (DOC) is providing additional methods for persons in our care to communicate with their loved ones until visits resume. Persons in our care are encouraged to utilize the following communication methods in accordance to institution policies and procedures:

  • Effective April 20, 2020, each person in our care will receive a free pre-embossed stamped envelope on a bi-weekly basis. Those with an Assessment & Evaluation (A&E) reception status will receive two pre-embossed stamped envelopes on a bi-weekly basis.
  • Effective April 26, 2020, persons in our care with an active Kiosk/Corrlinks account will receive a $.50 credit on their account on a weekly basis. This allows persons in our care to send up to 5 free messages to loved ones per week, for a total of 20 free messages each month.

The expanded methods of communication are in addition to the two free 15 minute phone calls per week that were provided to persons in our care beginning March 16, 2020. While the DOC understands that these methods do not replace in-person visits with loved ones, it is important that persons in our care continue to communicate with their family and friends during this time.​

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Distribution and Care of Face Coverings for Persons in our Care

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

In order to take precautions and minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19 in DOC correctional facilities, the DOC is issuing four (4) disposable ear loop masks through canteen for all persons in our care in the near future. As resources become available, institutions will also distribute cloth masks to all persons in our care. The ear loop masks are intended to be used on a short term basis until the DOC is able to issue cloth masks to all persons in our care, which are washable and intended for repeated long term use.

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COVID-19 Response Hotline

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Questions? Call our COVID-19 Response Hotline. 

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has established a public support line for questions related to COVID-19. The call center can be reached by members of the public Monday through Friday from 7:45am–4:30pm at (608) 240-5700.​

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidance

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

The Department of Corrections (DOC) continues to monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Recently, the CDC changed its guidelines to encourage members of the public to wear cloth face coverings in settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

In light of new CDC data and guidance, DOC is now permitting and encouraging all staff to bring and wear cloth face masks, whenever possible. In addition, DOC is striving to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) as resources allow to staff and persons in our care in identified areas where COVID-19 has been confirmed to be present. Employees that are issued medical-grade PPE as part of their job duties must continue to wear the DOC-issued PPE as required.

To assist you in creating or caring for cloth face masks, please note the following CDC and DHS guidance:

  1. Wearing face masks do not replace social distancing.
  2. Cotton materials are the recommended fabric for cloth face masks.
  3. Before putting on a face mask, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  4. Make sure the face mask covers your mouth and nose with no gaps between your face and the mask.
  5. Do not touch your face mask while wearing it; if you do, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  6. Replace the face mask with a new one as soon as it becomes dirty or damp. Employees should have more than one cloth face mask.
  7. Always wear the reusable cloth mask with the same side facing outwards.
  8. Cloth face masks must be cleaned on a daily basis and before entering the workplace to mitigate spread of the virus. It is recommended that homemade cloth face masks are machine-washed with hot water and detergent, and dried on a hot setting to eliminate any residual germs and particles.
  9. Staff should follow division-specific guidance with regard to acceptable appearance of cloth masks.

Please also note cloth face masks should be worn in accordance with the Professional Appearance Standards human resources policies. Please ensure that cloth face masks are:

  • In good repair, not ripped, faded, or frayed.
  • Appropriate, meaning:
  • ​The face mask must in no way be offensive or construed as offensive or inappropriate due to imagery or language. Anything known to be associated with or representing security threat groups, or are vulgar, profane, or otherwise offensive shall not be worn.
  • Face masks cannot display campaign or political activity or material.
Keep in mind that wearing cloth face masks does not provide full protection from the virus. Please remember to continue to follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to the virus, such as practicing social distancing protocols and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water.

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First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 Amongst a Person in our Care

​​Friday, April 3, 2020

On April 2, 2020, the Department of Corrections became aware that a person in our care at Columbia Correctional Institution has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The individual is believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 while on a trip outside of the facility. The individual has not had any direct contact with any other person in our care since that time, and employees that had direct contact with the individual were immediately notified. The facility has implemented intensive sanitizing and disinfectant measures with an emphasis on routinely cleaning critical areas and high touch surfaces and transportation vehicles. The individual is under the direct medical care of healthcare staff at the facility. ​

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DH​S U​pdates Priority Testing Criteria

​​Friday, March 27, 2020

​​​The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has modified the criteria for which individuals will be considered highest priority to ensure that priority specimens are processed in a timely manner. In order to conserve supplies for testing, DHS is prioritizing two tiers of cases for testing:

Tier One

  • Individuals who are critically ill and receiving ICU level care with unexplained viral pneumonia or respiratory failure -OR-
  • Individuals who are residents of long-term care facilities or other high consequence congregate settings (e.g. prisons or jails), with unexplained fever OR signs/symptoms of acute respiratory illness -OR-
  • Post-mortem testing for people who died of unknown causes, if COVID-19 testing would influence infection control interventions or inform a public health response.

Tier Two

  • Hospitalized (non-ICU) individuals with unexplained fever and signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness -OR-
  • Health care workers and first responders with unexplained fever AND signs/symptoms of acute respiratory illness, regardless of hospitalization -OR-
  • Essential staff in high consequence congregate settings (e.g. correctional officers) with unexplained fever AND signs/symptoms of acute respiratory illness, regardless of hospitalization.

Test requests that do not meet these criteria will not be tested at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene or the Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory and will be sent to other labs in the state and country for testing, resulting in longer wait times. ​Find more information here​.

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Fourth Co​nfirmed Ca​​se of COVID-19 Reported by Corrections Employee

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has received confirmation that a fourth employee has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus).The fourth positive case was confirmed on March 26, 2020 and is an employee at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility within the Division of Adult Institutions. Upon notice of the confirmed case, the employee was directed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. Effective immediately, the institution has suspended administrative rules. The purpose of this suspension is strictly precautionary as maintaining the health, safety and well-being of staff and persons in our care remains our top priority.

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Third Co​nfirmed Ca​​se of COVID-19 Reported by Corrections Employee

Wednesday, March 25, 2020​

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has received confirmation that a third employee has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The third positive case was confirmed on March 24, 2020 and is an employee in the Division of Community Corrections, Region 3. Upon notice of the confirmed case, the employee was directed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. All applicable staff were notified and a deep-cleaning of the site was completed. DOC will direct any employees that report symptoms to quarantine for 14 days.

DOC is taking the situation very seriously, and is working closely with DHS on best practices on how to handle each situation as they occur. We will continue to monitor the situation and act in accordance with the guidelines established by our state and federal partners. The health and safety of our staff and those in our care continue to be our top priority during this crisis.

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Second Co​nfirmed Ca​​se of COVID-19 Reported by Corrections Employee

Tuesday, March 22​, 2020​​

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) has received confirmation that a third employee has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus).The first positive case was confirmed on March 18, 2020 and is an employee at Waupun Correctional Institution (WCI). The second positive case was confirmed on March 21, 2020 and is an employee at Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI). Both institutions are maximum security facilities and upon notice of the confirmed positive test, each institution suspended administrative rules to limit movement for the protection of our staff and the adults in our care. Both employees were directed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. 

In the last several weeks DOC has taken several steps to minimize the risk to staff and persons under our care from exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Each division maintains detailed pandemic plans that outline protocols and isolation procedures when and if an individual is exposed or infected. Upon confirmation of a positive case, all potentially exposed staff are notified, and all adults in custody directly exposed are quarantined. Any staff members that report symptoms will be directed to quarantine for 14 days.

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Suspension of Admissions to State Prisons & Juvenile Facilities

​​Saturday, Marc​h 21, 2020​​​​​

​Effective March 23, 2020, all admissions to the state prisons and juvenile facilities operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) are suspended, with exceptions for some essential transfers. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution as part of the statewide efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We take the responsibility to protect staff and persons in our care seriously and continue to work with the Governor and other state and federal agencies on best practices to protect our staff and persons in our care. DOC will continue to review the necessity of this order and will work with our county partners to discuss any potential modifications that may be necessary.

Read Governor Evers' Order to the Department of Corrections​.

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Update to DAI Inmate Canteen Policy

​Thursday, March 19, 2020

​Effective immediately, the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) made two notable changes to the Inmate Canteen Policy as outlined below:

  • ​The first change increased the weekly and bi-weekly spending limits for adults in our care and custody. Weekly spending limits increased from $42.00 to $50.00 and bi-weekly spending limits increased from $84.00 to $100.00. The change in spending limits does not change the spending limits placed at specific facilities or housing units.
  • ​The second policy change addresses the permitted refunds available to adults in our care and custody. Section C, 1 and 2 of the policy have been updated. The policy now states “Inmates shall only be issued a refund for an item if a wrong item, damaged item, or no item is sent. If “no” item is sent it is noted on the receipt by staff at the time of delivery. No other refunds will be issued unless the inmate is no longer housed at the receiving facility.”

For any issues or concerns with canteen, please follow Section II, C of the Inmate Canteen Policy​.

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Suspension of Transfers from Contracted County Jail Beds

​Thursday, March 19, 2020

Effective immediately, all transfers from state contracted county jail beds have been suspended until further notice for everyone's safety. This applies to all individuals sentenced to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) but are currently housed in a contracted county jail bed. Transfers are suspended until such time as the risk of contamination is reduced.

Traditionally, the DAI places state inmates from Dodge Correctional Institution (DCI) into a county jail placement for up to 120 days and then transports those inmates back to DAI. In order to limit the potential for exposure and spread of COVID-19, DAI will not be scheduling transfers into or out of the county jail for the duration of this public health emergency.

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Pho​ne Calls during Temporary Suspension of Visits

​​Thursday, March 19, 2020

On March 13, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) temporarily suspended visits at all DOC institutions to minimize the risk of exposing staff, persons in our care, and the public to COVID-19. We understand the significant impacts this suspension has on persons in our care and their loved ones. As a result, we have partnered with CenturyLink to expand methods of communication to use during this time.

Effective immediately, in accordance with institution policies and procedures, the DOC is providing two (2) free fifteen-minute phone calls per week until visits resume.​ To take advantage of the free phone calls, please see the below information:

  • The two free phone calls will be available each week, Sunday through Saturday.
  • International phone calls are not included in the free phone calls available.
  • To use the free calls, select 3 on the keypad. Once a call is connected, it will count as one of the free calls available to the persons in our care, regardless of the length of the call.
  • All other institution telephone policies and procedures still apply. 
Note: ​​Youth in our care have been granted unlimited free phone calls during this health emergency.

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Division ​​of Community Corrections (DCC) Announcement

​​Tuesday, March 17, 2020

In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure during the COVID-19 emergency, the Division of Community Corrections (DCC) is implementing several strategies to keep our staff and clients safe.  We will continue to maintain community safety through active monitoring and interventions by limiting interpersonal interactions. Some staff will begin working remotely and we are allowing clients to report to their agents by video conference. DCC funded program groups have also been postponed. If individuals or their families have questions they should contact their agent or call the main office line

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Susp​​en​​sion of Work Releas​​​e

​Monday, March 16, 2020

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is suspending work release at state correctional facilities, effective immediately. Please contact individual work release sites for additional details related to this suspension.​

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Suspension of Medical Co-Pays

​​Friday, March 13, 2020

​The co-pay is temporarily suspended in the Division of Adult Institutions to allow anyone who is incarcerated and exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19 to seek medical attention right away.

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Suspension of All Visits at DOC Institutions

​Friday, March 13, 2020

All visits, including volunteer visits, are temporarily suspended at all Department of Corrections Institutions. We take our responsibility to protect staff and persons in our care very seriously, and out of an abundance of caution are taking actions to minimize the risk of bringing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) into facilities. Several other State correctional agencies in the Midwest have made this difficult choice as well. DOC understands that this will greatly impact persons under our care and their families, and will be reviewing this decision on a daily basis. We will be actively looking into expanding the methods of communication we use during the time visits are suspended. At this time all professional visits will continue, but we will make accommodations for phone calls and video conferences/visits, or non-contact visits whenever possible.​