ATLANTA - The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said four inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus. A fifth inmate is awaiting test results.
The patients range in age from 33 to 65 and were inmate workers who were performing various duties within the Rice Street facility, including sanitation. All four are being treated at the jail and in quarantine together.
SEE ALSO: Fulton County inmate tests positive for coronavirus
The fifth potential case is a 50-year-old woman who was booked into jail on Wednesday and informed staff was advised to self-quarantine.
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Four other inmates have been tested, but those results turned up negative for the COVID-19 virus.
“The Sheriff’s Office notified the health department per protocols. The jail’s medical services vendor, NaphCare is fully engaged and providing treatment,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a release to FOX 5 News. “NaphCare medical professionals are closely watching high-risk inmates (those with pre-existing conditions and the older population) to prevent them from contracting COVID-19.”
The jail has been sanitizing and cleaning high-traffic areas in the jail since the outbreak.
SEE ALSO: Fulton County Jail taking steps to keep inmates, employees safe from coronavirus
In addition, jail officials said they will be denying entry for those who have a 100.4 temperature or higher to all areas secured by county deputies.
Know how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting Georiga
Best prevention measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
RESOURCES:
- Symptoms, testing and how to prepare amid growing COVID-19 outbreak
- Who is most susceptible to coronavirus? COVID-19 not just affecting older people
- Coronavirus cleaners: These products will kill COVID-19, according to the EPA
- Coronavirus and pets: Your cat or dog probably can’t get COVID-19, WHO says
- Will sick leave protect me if I get ill from coronavirus? 5 questions answered
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