Sheriffs take virus precautions for jails

In an effort to limit the chance of coronavirus, the virus responsible for the covid-19, from infecting their county jails, the sheriffs in Jefferson and Sebastian counties are taking steps to reduce the risks for prisoners and staff.

Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said he is limiting new arrivals to those who are arrested for violent crimes and screening everyone who comes in to determine if they are at risk for exposure.

The sheriff said he has tried to be proactive in his attempts to keep the virus from entering the jail population.

"We started very early on putting measures in place to limit potential exposure from the outside," Woods said. "We're checking temperatures of our jailers coming in and out, but also making sure that anyone who comes in is screened, their temperature is checked, they fill out a questionnaire, and anyone who fits the criteria is isolated for 14 days."