The Virginia Department of Corrections announced it has expanded in person visitation across the Commonwealth, adding 162 tables to restore access that had been scaled back during the COVID 19 pandemic.

With the additions, VADOC now has 566 visitation tables in operation. The department reported that 33 tables were added in the Eastern Region—including six at Haynesville Correctional Center—64 in the Central Region, and 61 in the Western Region. The changes took effect the weekend of March 28.

The expansion effectively returns the system to its pre pandemic visitation capacity. During COVID, capacity in visitation rooms was intentionally reduced to allow for social distancing and manage the risk of transmission, explained Darnell Myrick, VADOC public relations specialist.

Prior to the changes made in response to COVID 19, the department always attempted to maximize the use of available space in the visitation rooms. The recent additions allow that space to again be maximized, consistent with safety and security needs.

According to VADOC, the department did not purchase new tables. Instead, previously used tables that had been stored during the pandemic were brought back into service.

Planning for the additional capacity has been underway since February. The decision to restore capacity was not driven by specific complaints about wait times, but rather by the department’s renewed focus on the importance of members of the incarcerated population having the opportunity to maintain and build positive relationships with their families and friends prior to release, according to Myrick.

“Visitation is a crucial part of the reentry journey,” said VADOC Director Joseph Walters. “It is so important for members of the population to maintain and build relationships with their loved ones, which strengthens family bonds and makes a smoother transition to society when they are released.”

At this time, there are no immediate plans to increase visitation capacity beyond current levels, although Myrick said, “Opportunities to improve the Department’s operation of safe, secure, and effective correctional facilities are always being evaluated.”