As a precaution against the COVID-19 virus, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and Adult Detention Center are implementing measures to protect citizens and inmates, said Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh.

"We are well aware of the implications of COVID-19 and will be taking all precautions possible for our employees, citizens and the inmate population," Fitzhugh said. "We are constantly in touch with the medical staff and the Rutherford County Health Department to make sure we are apprised of the most current information."

Jail Administrator Chris Fly said the medical staff continues its practice of conducting assessments for each inmate who is booked into the Detention Center.

As a precaution, video visits at the Adult Detention Center will be canceled until April 1 when the staff will review the status of the virus.

Inmates will be allowed to have two free remote visits per week. They will have regular phone calls and texts.

"We are looking for additional methods for inmates to communicate with their families at no cost or lower costs," Fly said.

Attorneys may communicate with their inmate clients through video visitation at the detention center.

Programs were suspended as well.

Additional sanitation will be done in the main lobby and visitation lobby for both visitors and employees.

The booking area and booking cells where inmates are processed will be scrubbed with bleach every four hours.