Virus: 36 Contra Costa inmates test positive
Thirtysix inmates in two Contra Costa County jails have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday morning in the latest virus outbreak to hit detention facilities.
Contra Costa Health Services is investigating a coronavirus outbreak that has infected 36 inmates at the Martinez Detention Facility and the West County Detention Facility in Richmond, the health department said in a statement. Officials said none of these cases required hospitalization.
The outbreak likely began at the Martinez Detention Facility and spread to the Richmond facility after one or more inmates who later tested positive for the coronavirus were transferred, according to Contra Costa Health Services.
The health department is investigating whether all cases are related to a single outbreak.
Officials did not specify how many positive cases were reported in each facility.
Health officials said inmates who were exposed to the coronavirus are quarantining, and coronavirus tests are being provided to staff and inmates who may have come in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
A spokesman for the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, which oversees both jails, directed all questions to the county health department.
All inmates booked into Contra Costa County jails are tested for COVID19 and are required to quarantine for 14 days before they enter the facility’s general population. Anyone showing symptoms of the virus is tested, and repeat tests are offered on demand, health officials said. County jail staff are tested every two weeks, officials said.