Visits to resume at Michigan prisons after COVID-19 halts visitations

Visits will resume at Michigan state prisons on March 26 after being prohibited for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We recognize how important in-person visitation is to our prison population. Connections with family and the community lead to greater offender success. With the continuation of vaccines and cases within the MDOC on a steady decline the department is prepared to provide in-person visits without jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of our inmates and staff," said Heidi Washington, the director of the Michigan Department of Corrections.

RELATED: A timeline of COVID-19 restriction changes

Prison facilities have increased protocols designed to protect prisoners, staff, and visitors.

Visitors will go through a screening process that includes a temperature check and an antigen rapid test. Personal masks worn into the facility must be stored in a locker, as visitors will be provided with a new mask.

The prisoner who is meeting a visitor will also be given an antigen rapid test. 

No physical contact will be allowed and plexiglass will be between the inmate and guest.

Visits must be scheduled 48-72 hours in advance through this website.