Carbon and Monroe Counties ban jail visitors to limit virus spread

The Commissioners in Carbon and Monroe counties have suspended any visits from the public at their jails due to concerns over COVID-19.

There are currently three reported cases of the virus in Monroe County, and none in Carbon County.

Monroe County has also banned visitors from Pleasant Valley Manor, the county’s nursing home.

But both counties plan to remain open for business while encouraging employees to stay home if they are sick.

The Carbon County Commissioners updated the public at a press conference Friday afternoon.

“As of right now we do not foresee any notable degradation of services from the county,” said Carbon County Commissioner Chris Lukasevich.

The commissioners encouraged residents who need to interact with county offices to do so over the phone or online in order to limit the spread of the illness.

Carbon County’s senior day centers are scheduled to remain open for the time being because people rely on them for meals. However the commissioners are setting up a food delivery network and drive-thru food banks.

Carbon Commissioner Rocky Ahner said residents can contact him directly if they are interested in helping to deliver food to seniors, particularly on Wednesdays.

“Our plan for this whole thing is to protect the people who are the most vulnerable, the elderly,” Ahner said.

This is a developing story.