"This is the first positive case of an inmate discovered in the facility that was not already known at the time of booking."

 

HCSO PIO Samantha Karges and Humboldt Superior Court CEO Kim Bartleson both responded promptly to an earlier post which was published minutes ago. Please click on the link provided for context and background if you did not read that related post.

The response from Ms. Karges on behalf of HCSO is in italics.

Hi John,

Thanks for sending along your questions. Here’s what we are able to share with you regarding your inquiry:

On February 20, 2021, Humboldt County Correctional Facility staff were notified that a female inmate within the facility had tested positive for COVID-19 as part of routine testing in preparation for extradition out of state.

The inmate underwent mandatory quarantine in our Correctional Facility upon booking. At the conclusion of her quarantine, the inmate was then moved to a general security congregate dorm within the facility. The inmate tested positive after entering the congregate dorm. Upon her positive test, the inmate was moved into isolation. One close contact of the inmate was also removed from the dorm and isolated as a precaution.

Immediately upon learning of the positive COVID-19 case, Correctional Facility staff worked closely with Public Health to determine possible exposure risks and begin implementing temporary quarantine protocols. As part of these protocols, the dorm in which the inmate was residing has been placed on a two-week quarantine. Inmates in this dorm are being tested twice a week for the duration of their quarantine. The first round of testing for inmates in the dorm and deputies assigned to that dorm was conducted Tuesday, with all tests coming back negative.

In consulting with Public Health, it was determined that the correctional deputies assigned to supervise this dorm did not meet the criteria of a “close contact,” defined as being within 6 feet or less of a person with COVID for more than 15 minutes. Because they did not meet the criteria of being in close contact to the inmate, these deputies have not been required to undergo a full at-home quarantine, but are still being separated from other staff members and inmates while on shift and taking breaks as an additional precautionary measure.

This is the first positive case of an inmate discovered in the facility that was not already known at the time of booking. Unfortunately, we knew this day would come that an inmate would test positive for COVID-19. As we’ve said from the very beginning, it was not a matter of if, but when. However, our staff members have been doing a fantastic job throughout this pandemic both on shift and off to take the necessary precautions to protect our employees and the inmates under our care.

So far during this pandemic, five correctional deputies have tested positive for COVID-19. Despite these positive tests, there was no detected spread into our facility, which tells us that the precautions we are taking work to mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19 in the jail.

Correctional staff continue to work with Public Health to identify COVID-19 exposure risk and mitigate any potential spread related to this most recent positive case.

Ms. Bartleson responded, "Good afternoon. In response from the court, this is an issue that would need to be addressed by the Sheriff and the County."

Related post:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/02/female-inmate-tests-positive-for-covid.html?m=1