Four inmates at the Monroe County Correctional Center are in quarantine after they tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
The first-ever positive case at the facility came after two male inmates who share a cell reported symptoms. They were transferred to medical cells for observation, where they tested positive for the virus, according to a press release from the Monroe County sheriff’s office.
A couple days later, two inmates from a different cellblock also tested positive for COVID-19 after reporting symptoms. They, too, were transferred to the medical cells for observation.
All four inmates are showing either mild or no symptoms.
The release said the Indiana Department of Health sent personnel to the facility Tuesday to test inmates in the cellblocks where the positive cases occurred as well as any employee who chose to be tested.
Only 27 of the 44 inmates offered the test took it, according to the release. It said the results should be available next week.
The release said the center has upgraded its air handling system to kill the virus and that UVC lighting units are used throughout the facility on a regular basis. Also, all correctional staff are instructed to wear N-95 masks when in direct contact with inmates.
