Inmates at the Clarion County jail will have to wait at least another month before they can see visitors as the county’s jail board decided Thursday not to re-open visitation at this time.
“I think we should wait at least another month,” said jail board member and county commissioner Ed Heasley, “If we wait more people will have an opportunity to be vaccinated.”
Jail warden Jeff Hornberger said the inmates haven’t had any visitation since July or August, and he added visitation would be “through the glass” and there would be no contact.
Hornberger said he would allow each inmate two visits per month instead of weekly visits.
“I think it is a stress factor on the inmates,” said Hornberger.
“If we had more vaccinations out there it would be safer,” the warden added. Hornberger said about 25% of the corrections officers have been vaccinated but none of the inmates have been vaccinated.
The board also delayed opening the work release program. Hornberger said the jail’s physician isn’t in favor of opening the program due to the pandemic.
“We are starting to see a gradual increase,” Hornberger said.