The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that three people at the Salt Lake County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19.
A prisoner, deputy and civilian worker at the Salt Lake County Jail have all had positive tests for the novel coronavirus.
The Oxbow Jail prisoner first presented flu-like symptoms on Tuesday, March 31 and was immediately isolated in a negative pressure cell. After tests came back negative for the flu, the prisoner was tested for COVID-19.
The patient's unit was put under a precautionary quarantine after the prisoner initially showing initial symptoms. Based on recommendations from health officials, 51 prisoners were transferred, in small groups, to the Metro Jail to be medically quarantined in individual cells.
Both deputies and prisoners used CDC-recommended protocol, providing masks and new clothing to the prisoners.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff, prisoners, and the public. Over the last three weeks the jail has been preparing to handle COVID-19,” said Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “We want to assure the community who have loved ones working at or incarcerated in our facility that we are doing all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”
Across the Salt Lake County Jail, an additional 94 prisoners are under medical evaluation and quarantine protocols are being followed.
To date, six prisoners have been tested for COVID-19, only the one has come back positive.
According to SLCSO, the deputy and civilian employee have not been in the facility in the last five days.
