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Norfolk City Jail Protocols
Protecting the life, health, safety, and security of those in custody or working in the Norfolk City Jail is the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office’s top concern. With the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 throughout the country and right here in Hampton Roads we want to ensure family members of individuals in our care that the Norfolk City Jail continues to follow CDC guidelines and is in daily contact with the Norfolk Health Department, just as we have been for the past 22 months.
In an effort to provide adequate, factual information, below you will find the protocols for the Norfolk City Jail as it relates to COVID-19.
When it comes to COVID-19, the Norfolk City Jail categorizes blocks based on the severity of symptoms. The terms Hot Zone, Warm Zone, and Observation Zone are used to distinguish between the types symptoms the block is experiencing.
- If an inmate becomes sick and has severe symptoms of COVID-19 (including low oxygen levels, high fever, etc.) they will be removed from their block and given a COVID-19 Rapid Test. If the test returns positive, the inmate is isolated and moved to a HOT ZONE. Once in the HOT ZONE, the inmate’s symptoms are monitored by medical personnel multiple times a day, including having their vitals and oxygen levels monitored. If symptoms continue to worsen, additional medical care will be sought. The block they were moved out of is then considered a WARM ZONE.
- The inmates in the WARM ZONE are considered close contacts and they will be monitored by medical staff multiple times a day, including having their vitals and oxygen levels monitored. The block will be placed in quarantine status for 10-14 days. If any inmate in the WARM ZONE starts to have severe symptom, they will then fall under the protocol mentioned above.
- If an inmate is showing minor symptoms of COVID-19 or has a low-grade fever, they will remain in their block and the block will be listed as an OBSERVATION ZONE. The block will be placed in quarantine for 10-14 days. During that time, all of the inmates in that block will be checked by medical staff multiple times a day, including having their vitals and oxygen levels monitored. If at any time, an inmate starts to experience severe symptoms, staff will follow the above protocol.
Cleaning supplies are provided to every block listed in the Hot Zone, Warm Zone, and Observation Zone and inmates are instructed on how to properly wipe down common areas and surfaces, including but not limited to restrooms, tablets, and phones. Additionally, Norfolk City Jail staff is cleaning the entire facility daily with a solution that kills the virus. All inmates are provided masks to wear, which should be worn at all times.
- If an inmate becomes sick and has severe symptoms of COVID-19 (including low oxygen levels, high fever, etc.) they will be removed from their block and given a COVID-19 Rapid Test. If the test returns positive, the inmate is isolated and moved to a HOT ZONE. Once in the HOT ZONE, the inmate’s symptoms are monitored by medical personnel multiple times a day, including having their vitals and oxygen levels monitored. If symptoms continue to worsen, additional medical care will be sought. The block they were moved out of is then considered a WARM ZONE.
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Norfolk Consolidated Courts Information
As of March 3, 2022, following new guidance on masking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and low community transmission numbers, the Norfolk Consolidated Courthouse implemented “mask optional” guidelines.
Visitors are welcome to wear a mask while visiting the courthouse, but are not required to do so at this time.
Officials will continue to monitor CDC guidance and related community variables and modify courthouse policies as necessary.
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COVID-19 Related Scams And Fraud
Fraud and scams have emerged specifically targeting people's fear of COVID-19.
The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has a new consumer protection unit called Fraud Watch that has tools and tips to help you protect yourself.
Click HERE to learn more or to report an instance of fraud.
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FAQs
Can my loved one receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot while incarcerated at the Norfolk City Jail?
A: The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has a contract with WellPath to provide medical care to the inmates in our facility. WellPath and the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office are in constant contact with the Virginia Department of Health and with assistance from the Virginia Department of Health, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has obtained vaccines to provide to our inmates. The WellPath staff administers the vaccines and keeps a record of who is due for vaccines and boosters. All inmates are offered the vaccines, but vaccines are only administered to those who opt to receive one.
My loved one is an inmate at the NCJ. Will I be notified if they test positive for COVID-19?
A: The Virginia Dept. of Health epidemic team will notify an inmate if they test positive for COVID-19. In partnership with our medical team, jail staff will be in twice daily contact with any COVID-19 positive person, per VDH guidelines. Additionally, jail staff will allow the inmate to make a free call to notify their family. Privacy laws restrict our ability to confirm inmate health information without their consent - so please do not call the jail as we will not be able to release any information.
What do you do if you have a deputy test positive for COVID-19?
A: The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office will work in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health to conduct contact tracing and follow all state and local regulations.
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How to contact us regarding COVID-19
If you are a member of the public and have a question about COVID-19 impacts to the Norfolk City Jail please call our dedicated phone line: 757-664-4793 or send an inquiry via email to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Emails and calls will be monitored during normal business hours.
Please note that health information is protected by federal law and we cannot release any offender information. If an offender tests positive for COVID-19 they are given a free phone call to notify loved ones.
Members of the media should contact PIO Jamie Bastas: 757-589-5692 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.