The Arizona Department of Corrections will not take inmates for the next 21 days as part of a collective agreement with Sheriff's throughout the state to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office was made aware after the Corrections Department Director decided to have law enforcement work together to limit the spread of the virus.
"We had been approached by the director requesting temporary assistance in holding transfers sentenced to the custody of the Department of Corrections," Said Lt. Samuel Pavlak, with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office. "At this time the Yuma County Sheriff's Office is having no significant impact on this."
However, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone disagrees with the decision because it could cause inmates to be held longer and affect the safety of staff and inmates, according to the Arizona Republic.
As of March 23rd, six state prison inmates have been tested for the virus. The Corrections Department said no positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.