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38 More Escambia County Jail Inmates Test Positive For COVID-19
July 5, 2020
Sunday morning, the Escambia County Jail reported 38 new COVID-19 cases among inmates that were identified for testing by contract tracing.
Of 44 inmates that have been tested, there were the 38 positives, four negative and two that are awaiting results. The county said all of those that have tested positive have not presented any medical concerns.
None of the inmates who have tested positive are are presenting medical concerns. Two of the units in the jail have been turned into isolation zones to house the inmates who have tested positive to try to prevent the further spread of the virus.
On Thursday, the jail reported three positive inmates and 12 infected correctional officers with 13 waiting for their results. Sunday, Escambia County said there were still only 12 positive correctional officers, but did not specify if the 13 others had received their results. The officers are all quarantined at home. The corrections department has 575 employees.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep inmates and employees as safe as possible during this global pandemic,” Escambia County Corrections Chief Rich Powell said. “Our medical staff assured me that none of these inmates are presenting medical concerns at this time. Our priority remains the safety and health of our inmates and employees as we follow our infectious disease processes and CDC guidelines. We are continuing to work with the Florida Department of Health for guidance, and masks are available for all inmates, which we are strongly encouraging them to wear.”
Individuals can call the Escambia County Jail at (850) 436-9650 with questions about inmates.
Comments
8 Responses to “38 More Escambia County Jail Inmates Test Positive For COVID-19”
CONCERNING:
“How could this be possible happen with that miracle apparatus called the mask?”
It turns out that the masks need to be on the faces to help. Who would have guessed???
David for mysteries revealed
How could this be possible happen with that miracle apparatus called the mask
I honestly th think the health department should come in.the imates before being locked up had been around other people and those families have a right to know the status of the imates.breaking the law has nothing to do with the virus covid 19.anyone can get it.you cant play guess who gona get it next game.this virus is deadly.
Why don’t all of you bleeding heart people volunteer your services and money to keep them save. Clean the jails, pay for hotel rooms, buy masks. No matter what – it is always somebody else’s fault. Its not rocket science that any infectious illness spreads through close contact. These prisoners were in good enough health to break the law, they will get through this illness just fine.
Not surprising no PPE distributed, inmates just got masks on Wednesday. Maybe let the health department come in and inspect/give advice as to how to slow this virus. This gonna turn out like the nursing homes. Im sure theres been more then just a few co’s and inmates have had it. They just dont wanna test em.
@Concerned – If people were worried about catching the CoVid-19 virus they would be at home. If one chooses to go out and commit crimes, they should anticipate being arrested. If you get arrested, have the funds available to hire a bondsman. Otherwise, if you can do the crime, you can do the time. No free passes for a criminals to continue breaking the law because they think they are just going to get a ticket and a court date with no other immediate detainment.
Any person that has not be charged with a major felony does not need to be arrested and place at the risk of contracting Covin 19 or spreading the virus. Issue them a ticket and a court date in order to slow down the spread of Covin 19 within the jail and the county.
Even if Janice Gilley and her administration and communications department (apart from Public Safety) were interested in conducting the proper contact tracing–which they clearly aren’t–it’s far too late for contact tracing at the jail now. They need to immediately test all of the inmates, staff, and everybody who comes and goes from the complex.
The same goes for the road prison, the work release program and facility, and the juvenile detention center. The fun and games are over now. We need solutions, capability, and accountability now.