Sheriff’s Office stopping tours, contact visits at Santa Cruz County Jail in response to local emergency

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said it is taking precautions to protect inmates, staff and visitors at the Santa Cruz County Jail.

This comes after the county declared a local emergency in response to coronavirus spread.

The Sheriff's Office said it will be temporarily stopping jail tours and contact visits. It will also be screening anyone brought into the main jail.

There have not been any confirmed coronavirus cases at the jail, but the Sheriff's Office said the medical staff is monitoring the situation.

“We are taking proactive steps to minimize any potential threat to those not only living in our facilities, but also working there or coming to visit,” said Sheriff Jim Hart.

The County Administrative Officer will also formally ask the Board of Supervisors to declare a local emergency and ratify the declarations at its next meeting on March 10.

Governor Newsom announced a state of emergency for California Wednesday afternoon.