For the most part, inmates at Chesterfield and Riverside can have only non-contact visits from family and friends, reducing the chance for outside exposure.

Henrico County sheriff’s Maj. Richard Garrison said staff at the two Henrico-run jails already take extra precautions during flu season, including giving more soap to inmates and encouraging employees to stay home if they are sick. He also pointed out that the facility provides medical services all hours of the day.

“These are the steps we take every flu season,” he said.

Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving, who is in charge of the City Justice Center, said the jail is preparing for the virus by intensifying its regular cleanings and screening visitors.

The screenings are minor and include asking how people are feeling, Irving said, but medical staff are available to screen others further, if necessary.

There has been no restriction of visitors or movement yet, she said. The jail gets very few visitors, Irving said, given that most inmates can connect with loved ones via video chatting from within their pod or the housing sections of the jail. That technology has been in place since the new facility opened in 2014.