BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — Baltimore County officials announced on Friday that an inmate in the Baltimore County Department of Corrections has tested positive for COVID-19.
The individual is an African-American man in his 50s who is not currently presenting symptoms and is in quarantine.
According to officials, the individual will remain in the medical unit for the recommended CDC period. Out of an abundance caution, the inmate's housing unit is under a quarantine protocol.
They are conducting an investigation to determine whether anyone who came in contact with him tested positive.
“Ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of both our professional and dedicated staff and all those at our detention center continues to be our top priority as we navigate this global pandemic,” said Baltimore County Department of Corrections Director Gail M. Watts. “We will continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state, and local health officials and aggressively adopt public health best practices as we respond to this rapidly evolving crisis.”
The Department says they have implemented a number of actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Following CDC guidelines for deep-cleaning and sanitizing areas and equipment and daily disinfecting and cleaning “high-touch” areas throughout the facility.
- Appropriate use of personal protective equipment and daily “healthy check-ins” for all employees to ensure anyone with symptoms of illness is sent home.
- Minimizing all unnecessary movement except for critical efforts, including medical treatment, and bail reviews.
- Suspending inmate family and friend visitation and authorizing limited free calling time for inmates.
- Providing increased education such as, showing COVID-19 informational videos in processing and housing units, placing posters designed by the CDC in all inmate housing areas, and posting increased hand washing signage.
