Repeat rapid testing of adults in custody who have been potentially exposed to COVID-19 continues to uncover new cases at the Multnomah County Detention Center and Inverness Jail, Public Health reports.
All of the adults in custody who tested positive have either mild or no symptoms. There have been no hospitalizations and no deaths.
Corrections Health began repeat testing of potentially exposed adults in custody after an adult in custody who had symptoms of COVID-19 tested positive for the virus on May 6 at the Detention Center. Since then, a total of 11 adults in custody have tested positive at the downtown facility.
At Inverness Jail a total of 13 cases have been detected since May 24.
Those who tested positive are housed together in a cohort. Individuals potentially exposed and who have tested negative undergo daily symptom screening by nursing staff for fever and symptoms of COVID-19.
Because of the potential disproportionate impact of a highly transmissible virus on people in custody, the County has reduced the number of people in detention, increased testing and increased surveillance.
Staff at both detention centers continue to follow mask, distance and disinfection protocols.
Adults in custody are routinely offered vaccine for COVID-19. About 64 percent have are vaccinated.
Both Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and Corrections Health staff have also had multiple opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Since May 1, 2021, at least 72 percent of MCSO staff have received vaccines through Multnomah County Public Health.