Repeat rapid testing of adults in custody who have been potentially exposed to COVID-19 has uncovered seven new cases at the Multnomah County Detention Center and five new cases at the 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. Testing began at one dorm at Inverness Jail after an adult in custody tested positive for the virus on May 24.
Those who tested positive are housed together in a cohort. Individuals potentially exposed and who have tested positive 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 been taking the following precautions:
-
The population in detention facilities has been lowered by 30 percent to allow for more physical distancing and fewer chances for the virus to enter the facility.
-
Adults in custody who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being watched closely with 24/7 access to medical care.
-
Adults in custody who have been exposed to COVID-19 are being tested regularly so we can quickly identify new infections.
-
Anyone in the facility with symptoms is offered testing for COVID-19.
-
Staff at both detention centers continue to follow mask, distance and disinfection protocols.
-
Adults in custody are routinely offered vaccine for COVID-19. Public Health reports 80 percent of females and 63 percent of males in custody have been vaccinated.
-
Both Multnmah 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.