Multnomah County is closely following public health guidance to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in corrections facilities.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Corrections Health, in consultation with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Public Health Department, has established protocols and prepared for the presence of COVID-19 in corrections settings. When an adult in custody tests positive for COVID-19, Corrections Health plans for rapid testing, isolation, quarantine and detailed contact tracing efforts.
On Jan. 15, one adult in custody at Inverness Jail tested positive for COVID-19. All adults in custody with potential exposure were placed in quarantine. In adherence of public health recommendations, Corrections Health performed testing. Following an initial round of testing, two additional positive cases were identified.
On Jan. 21, per public health recommendations, a second round of testing was performed. Eleven additional adults tested positive for COVID-19. Those identified as having positive COVID test results were isolated from the adults in custody already in quarantine with negative COVID test results. All individuals will continue to be screened daily for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and additional testing is planned.
Corrections Health employees continue to follow all Multnomah County Health Department recommendations including wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing and washing their hands frequently. Appropriate personal protective equipment is used in all clinical encounters, and prior to each work shift, every employee performs a temperature check and attests to a lack of symptoms and COVID-19 exposure.
Learn more about the preventive measures being taken by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Multnomah County Health Department is also leading the public health response. See more at /covid19.