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6 Marion County inmates, jail employee, test positive for COVID-19

Posted at 5:52 PM, Apr 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-06 17:18:11-04

UPDATE:

INDIANAPOLIS — As a result of testing conducted last Friday, six inmates at a jail in Marion County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the sheriff's office.

In a statement, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said 75 people were tested at the CoreCivic-operated Marion County Jail 2. Six inmates and one staff members have now tested positive for the novel coronavirus at the facility, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said the inmates have been isolated and the staff member has been self-quarantined.

The sheriff's office also said it will continue to work closely with the Marion County Public Health Department to monitor any developments and keep inmates and staff safe.

Original story:

INDIANAPOLIS — An inmate and jail employee at a jail in Marion County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the sheriff's office.

A medical staff employee at the CoreCivic/Jail 2 tested positive for the virus on Thursday, according to a press release from the sheriff's office. The employee is self-isolating and last worked at the jail on Sunday.

Jail 2, which houses about half of the inmates in Marion County, is operated by CoreCivic, according to the release.

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An inmate at Jail 2, who also tested positive for the virus, has been in isolation since Wednesday after developing signs and symptoms of the virus, according to the release.

On Friday, the Marion County Health Department tested 37 Jail 2 inmates who are showing signs and symptoms for the virus, according to the release. At least 14 CoreCivic correctional officers, 22 CoreCivic medical staff members and two service providers are also being tested for the virus.

All of the people being tested for the virus are being quarantined while they wait for the test results, according to the release.

The following safety measures, listed in the release, are being implemented at all correctional facilities:

  • Regular disinfection and sanitization of all Jail units.
  • Additional provisions of hygiene, sanitizing, and cleaning products available to inmates.
  • Ongoing education efforts for both inmates and staff members.
  • Both the Marion County Jail and Jail 2 are closed to ALL outside non-employee visitors.
  • Jail Division and CoreCivic employees are receiving a medical screening immediately prior