BEND, OR -- The COVID-19 Pandemic is causing changes at the Deschutes County Jail. Sheriff’s Department Sergeant William Bailey says they have reduced the inmate population by asking partner police agencies to cite and release for lower level offenses. However, if a person has committed a serious crime and has symptoms, they can be placed in a medical jail cell with negative air pressure to prevent virus spread. Bailey says they are separating and social distancing inmates as much as possible.