COVID-19 FAQs for Friends & Family

The GDC suspended all non-essential offender movement across GDC facilities on March 11, 2020. As we have transitioned into a modified movement process within our system, a strategic plan was developed to ensure priority was placed on taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and offenders.

All new arrivals (intakes) and court return offenders will be administered a COVID-19 test and offered a COVID-19 vaccine, if eligible.  Offenders who are symptomatic will be medically isolated while awaiting test results. Non-symptomatic offenders will be placed in quarantine for 14 days while awaiting test results. Offenders receiving negative test results will resume the normal diagnostic process.

• Ongoing notification and education of staff and inmate population regarding COVID and vaccines, including educational materials/flyers, are posted in all facilities
• Informational COVID-19 vaccine video is being played for offenders in housing units
• Enhanced sanitation at all entry points to include additional hand sanitizer for staff
• Screening protocols implemented to include attestation of no-known-illness and temperature screening prior to entry for all persons, to include staff
• Quantities of hand soap and hand sanitizer have been increased at all facilities.
• Enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols at all facilities and for all transportation vehicles, to include designating additional Sanitation Officers
• Enhanced screening process for offenders
• Enhanced diagnostic intake screening for offenders entering GDC custody
• Suspended all facility tours until further notice
• Waived $5.00 medical co-pay for offenders exhibiting COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, effective March 13, 2020, until further notice
• Sneeze/cough masks have been distributed to all staff and offenders
• Ongoing treatment of all state facilities with chemical fogging as an added sanitation measure
• Disinfecting shoe mats placed at all facilities for use by all individuals upon entering or exiting the facility.
• All new arrivals (intakes) and court return offenders are administered a COVID-19 test.
• Vaccines are available and offered to all offenders

All inmates entering the Georgia Department of Corrections are screened and tested for COVID-19 upon intake. Those who exhibit symptoms will be medically isolated and referred to a medical provider for further evaluation.  All other non-symptomatic inmates will be medically quarantined for 14 days, and tested again on day 10.  In the event an inmate tests positive during the quarantine period, that inmate will be medically isolated for 10 days and the cohort group who was in quarantine with the inmate will be quarantined for an additional 14 days until no additional positive tests are confirmed. 

Any inmate at any location who becomes symptomatic will be medically isolated and administered a COVID-19 test. Any person in close contact with the individual will be medically quarantined and tested on day 10. Any offender who goes out to a hospital or medical appointment will be tested prior to transfer.

Offender transfers from a diagnostic facility to another facility will have temperature and pulse oximetry performed and recorded and will be instructed to notify medical if they become symptomatic.  Offenders will not be transferred if they are exhibiting symptoms or have a temperature.

Yes, COVID-19 vaccinations are offered and available to all offenders.

If the offender screens positive for COVID-19, the offender is provided a mask and escorted by an officer wearing personal protective equipment (i.e., mask and gloves) to a medical screening location where a provider will complete the screening exam. Offenders who screen positive, or are suspected of having COVID-19, are medically isolated and will remain for the required 10-day quarantine period.

During the isolation period, if an acute community hospitalization is necessary or in the event of an emergency medical condition, the offender will be transported to the designated medical facility.

All staff and inmates who were in direct contact or prolonged close contact will be notified and directed to quarantine following guidelines provided by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

All staff and inmates who were in direct contact or prolonged close contact will be notified and directed to quarantine following guidelines provided by the Department of Public Health.

We have enhanced sanitation and cleaning protocols at all facilities and for all transportation vehicles, including designating additional sanitation officers. All state facilities undergo a mandated chemical fogging process a minimum of 2x/month, as an added disinfecting measure.

Until further notice, modified in-person visitation will be made by appointment only.  As of March 5, 2022 contact visitation has resumed at all state facilities.

Attorney visitation at GDC facilities began on April 7, 2021. Attorneys should contact the Warden’s office 5-7 business days prior to the date you wish to visit to schedule a visit with your client or potential client.

All medical and dental appointments have returned to a normal operating schedule.

Yes, outside details resumed on April 12, 2021.

All classes and programs have returned to normal operations.

Any offender being released from GDC custody will undergo a screening for COVID-19 symptoms, to include temperature check. If the offender exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, the GDC will notify the local Department of Public Health of the county to which the offender is being released. If the offender has been vaccinated, he/she will receive their vaccination card.

According to the CDC the vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. If you still get infected after you are vaccinated, the vaccine may prevent serious illness. Taking the vaccine and becoming fully vaccinated and boosted will help protect you and those around you.

The CDC recommends you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19.

No, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost.

The GDC is offering the two-dose Moderna vaccine and booster.

Upon release, an offender will be discharged with their official vaccine card.