Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Oregon State Penitentiary has had to modify institution operations. These changes will temporarily impact adult in custody access to phones. We appreciate your patience as we work through this challenging time.
All current suspensions, restrictions, and modifications made to our operations will remain in place until we can safely return to normal. We know things can change quickly, and we will keep you updated of any new information. Visiting is still suspended until further notice.
4/3/2020: DOC's First Adult in Custody Tests Positive for COVID-19
The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced the first adult in custody (AIC) within the Oregon state prison system to test positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The patient is in stable condition and is being treated on-site.
The patient is at Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem, Oregon, and will soon move to an institution with 24-hour nursing care. The positive test result was received April 2. Additional details cannot be shared about his protected health information.
If an AIC is showing signs and symptoms of influenza or COVID-19, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, they will be tested. DOC uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidance on appropriate criteria for testing. Those being tested and/or awaiting results are on respiratory isolation.
“We have been preparing for the spread of COVID-19 into our institutions, worksites and Community Corrections offices since the beginning of March,” said Director Colette S. Peters. “Even with all of our preventative measures, like restricting visiting, social distancing, and suspending any programs, we knew the first case was inevitable because our institutions are microcosm of our communities. Our agency has focused on this virus and how best to reduce the impact inside our institutions. The necessary protocols are in place to protect our employees and the adults in our custody as best we can. This is a difficult time for all Oregonians, including those in our care. I know the family and friends of the adults in custody are extremely concerned for their loved ones. I can assure you, we are taking all necessary measures to operate safe and secure institutions where people can work and live and stay healthy.”
SCI has taken several steps to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. These actions include: suspension of visiting and volunteer services, canceled group activities, house vulnerable AICs together, slowed down meal line in order to social distance.
DOC is now contacting all people who entered the institution in the last seven days. All AIC’s will be screened and any presenting with symptoms will be tested for COVID-19.
As people are tested and test results are returned, DOC will provide updated numbers on the DOC website. DOC is collaborating with our local public health officials, coordinating with the OHA, and following the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread COVID-19. DOC is following OHA’s guidance on long-term care facilities and law enforcement recommendations and CDC’s interim guidance on management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in correctional and detention facilities.
SCI is a minimum-security prison in Salem that houses approximately 480 AICs who are within four years of release. The facility concentrates on work opportunities, most of which are in the form of work crews contracting with state agencies, local organizations, and private industries within a 60-mile radius of Salem.
4/1/2020: First COVID-19 Case Reported - Oregon Department of Corrections Employee
An employee at the Oregon State Penitentiary has tested positive for
novel coronavirus (COVID-19). For more details, please see our
COVID-19 Tracking Tool and visit our
Communications Library to view new documents and communications.
3/24/2020: Salem Dome Building Closed to the Public
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Dome Building is closed to the public. Only Department of Corrections employees, pre-approved visitors, water delivery, and Shred-it services are allowed entry.
Dome building employees should reference the Deputy Director’s 3/24/20 email message detailing modified operations.
The Department of Corrections remains committed to supporting Oregonians. For general inquiries, please call (503) 945-9090 or email DOC.info@doc.state.or.us
Thank you for your doing your part to keep our state safe and healthy.
3/17/2020: Keeping Adults in Custody in Contact with Loved Ones
Last week, the Oregon Department of Corrections suspended visiting in its 14 prisons for 30 days. Working together with GTL-Telmate, DOC’s communications provider, each adult in custody will be provided two 5-minute, no-cost phone calls per week for the next 30 days, beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
We will revisit this after 30 days and will continue to explore options for AICs to keep in contact with their families.
DOC commends GTL-Telmate for this act of understanding, support, and compassion during this difficult time. The agency recognizes that efforts to maintain family connections between those incarcerated and their loved ones is essential, especially in stressful times. Furthermore, we know these healthy relationships reduce the risk of future criminal behavior and will continue to explore options for AICs to keep in contact with their families.
3/14/2020: Video Message from Our Deputy Director
Oregon Department of Corrections Deputy Director speaks on the agency's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Watch the video now
3/12/2020: All Visiting Suspended in Response to the Coronavirus
Following the State of Emergency issued in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Oregon, the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has suspended all visiting at all 14 state prisons. This is the first time DOC has suspended visiting state-wide. This change is effective March 13, 2020 and will be reviewed in 30 days. This restriction will include non-contact visits where people speak to one another through glass. This will also include limiting institution access to only essential staff.
DOC has no known or suspected cases of COVID-19 at this time. One adult in custody (AIC) has been tested for COVID-19, and the test came back negative.
“All of us at the Oregon Department of Corrections value visiting and especially the connections that visiting affords to family and friends. We know these relationships reduce the risk of future criminal behavior. However, during this State of Emergency, it is critical we take appropriate precautions necessary to protect our employees and those in our care and custody. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact that this necessary action will have on the people in our custody and on their families. We are working hand-in-hand with our state and local partners to keep our institutions as healthy as possible. We will resume normal visiting schedules as soon as humanly possible," said Director Colette S. Peters.
DOC is collaborating with our local public health officials, coordinating with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to prevent the spread COVID-19. DOC Director Colette S. Peters is a member of Oregon Governor Kate Brown's Coronavirus Response Team.
DOC is following OHA's guidance on long-term care facilities and law enforcement recommendations. These changes are to protect AICs who are at the highest risk inside our institutions. DOC's Health Services employees have identified 1,400 AICs who are over 60 years old, immunocompromised, or multiple comorbid medical conditions.
DOC is working with our AIC communications services providers to provide alternatives to in-person visiting at a reduced cost. DOC joins a list of other state corrections agencies that have suspended access. This is the first time DOC has suspended visiting state-wide.