Fulton County Jail undergoes deep clean to kill COVID-19 virus

The scene at the Fulton County jail on Tuesday looked like ground zero at a nuclear waste site. But, it's only a deep clean effort to rid the jail of the COVID-19 virus.

"We don't want to see anyone get sick, we don't want to see anyone suffer," said Colonel Mark Adger.

Sign up for FOX 5 email alerts

We talked to Colonel Mark Adger back in early March when Fulton County jail had its first COVID-19 case. Within days, 13 inmates were diagnosed with COVID-19.

Adger said since then, some fully recovered, and others got sick. But he never had more than 13 to 14 inmates sick at one time.

So, this week the jail turned to CRM, an emergency cleaning company that took high tech electrostatic sprayers dousing high traffic areas with EPA approved disinfectant.

"Just keeping a safe and healthy environment for everyone to live in, said Adger.

Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for breaking news and weather alerts.

Inmates were kept outside in the yard while CRM crews cleaned half of the jail. Colonel Adger said his staff will handle the rest. An expensive lesson learned in the war on.

"It caught a lot of us off guard and we can't afford to be caught off guard," said Adger.

The deep clean cost Fulton County taxpayers $234,000. But Sheriff Ted Jackson plans to request federal funds to help cover the cost.

App users click here for live updates

Know how the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting Georiga

• 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

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.

Live map: Tracking coronavirus in Georgia

----- 

Health Coronavirus GeorgiaUs Ga/fulton CountySeries I Team