El Paso County Jail records 693 inmates testing positive for COVID-19
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says there are 693 inmates and 62 sheriff's office members who tested positive for coronavirus as of November 2.
After initial positive tests last month, the sheriff's office conducted widespread testing at the El Paso County Jail. On November 1, soldiers with the Colorado National Guard helped collect 1,028 samples.
The sheriff's office Tuesday announcement comes as cases across the state are rising. El Paso County is currently at risk of moving back to Stay At Home restrictions due to its high incidence rate.
A spokesperson said that the widespread testing strategy aims to quickly identify and further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the jail. Test results are being used to implement isolation and cohort recommendations accordingly.
Below is a statement from the sheriff's office on its response to the recent testing results:
"To combat the rampant spread of this disease, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented some very restrictive housing measures. These restrictions are not punitive; they are based on scientific data, medical guidance, and industry best practices as they apply to the layout of our jail. At this point in time, there have been no inmates who have had to be hospitalized. They are all being treated in the facility by our medical provider, WellPath."
