Video Visitation Successfully Reopens after Nearly Six-Month Closure
The Video Visitation Center at the Orange County Jail successfully reopened on September 21. Visitation by family and friends had been suspended since March 25 due to the pandemic. Attorneys were still able to visit clients through the center rather than in person in the jail.
New guidelines are in place to include a revised schedule. Visits occur on the hour and only 20 people are allowed in the center at a time. Visitors must wear facemasks and have their temperature checked to be admitted to the center. Anyone with a temperature exceeding 100 will be denied access.
Visitors are socially distanced and visitor stations are disinfected between each visit. Almost 150 people visited the center on reopening day.
“It’s important for inmates to stay connected with family and other loved ones, and we were pleased to be able to reopen Video Visitation in a safe fashion,” said Chief of Corrections Louis A. Quiñones, Jr.
Video Visitation Supervisor James Stanford agrees. “It was nice to be able to welcome back some of our regulars at the center,” he said. Stanford said several people commented on being glad to reconnect with loved ones.
The Video Visitation Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the last visitation session starting at 9 p.m. The Video Visitation Center is located at 3000 39th Street in Orlando. Visits may be scheduled by calling 407-836-8061.
Photo caption: Visitors practice social distancing while connecting with inmates in the Orange County Jail.