New Gwinnett sheriff quarantines after positive for COVID-19
Gwinnett sheriff-elect Keybo Taylor plans big changes with how deputies handle inmates inside the jail.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - The sheriff-elect for a Georgia county is under quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.
Gwinnett County’s incoming sheriff, Keybo Taylor, confirmed Monday’s positive test in a social media post Tuesday, news outlets reported. He said a staff member also tested positive while his family and the staff member’s family have all tested negative.
“Currently, I am in quarantine and have decided, in a preponderance of caution, to postpone my swearing-in ceremony and all subsequent engagements,” Taylor said in the post.
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In the post, he also encouraged county residents to follow public health guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has recently neared the record-high number of average daily cases set over the summer.
“Our collective goal is the safety of our neighbors, friends and families,” Taylor said. “Together, we can minimize the spread of the virus and have a much better 2021. I ask that each of you please continue wearing your masks, washing your hands and practicing social distancing.”
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Taylor is expected to take office as Gwinnett County sheriff on Jan. 1. Sheriff Butch Conway, a Republican who has held the position for more than two decades, did not seek re-election this year. Taylor, a Democrat, defeated Chief Deputy Lou Solis, a Republican. Taylor will be Gwinnett County’s first Black sheriff, and the first Democrat to win the seat since 1984.
Taylor began working in law enforcement in 1983. He said he plans to bring new programs to the sheriff’s office, including programs to educate young people on issues like drugs and bullying.
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