New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Seven Bristol County Sheriff’s Office staff members and eight county inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 since May 21.
All of the seven staff members to test positive since May 21 are members of the security team; six corrections officers and one sergeant. A total of 34 staff members have tested positive since the beginning of March. Sixteen have recovered and returned to duty and two more are expected back this weekend, while the rest are expected to make full recoveries and return to duty in the coming weeks.
The total number of county inmates who have tested positive for COVID is now 32, 28 of which are still in BCSO custody. As reported last week, four county inmates who had tested positive were released as their sentences ended. Prior to their release, the BCSO provided notification of the positive test to the person picking them up and the state Department of Public Health, which in turn notifies the communities they are returning to. Of the 28 still in BCSO custody, several of them have recovered and returned to general population and the others are being kept in isolation and closely monitored by medical professionals.
Over the past few months, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office has instituted many protocols to protect inmates, detainees and staff from the Coronavirus outbreak. Some of those measures include:
· All employees were given masks that must be worn inside the secure perimeter of our facilities. All inmates and detainees have also been given masks to wear for protection.
· All areas of the facility are being cleaned\disinfected every day on every shift.
· All staff members are being screened before entering the buildings; new arriving inmates are being screened before being accepted into custody.
· In-person visitation has been suspended to limit the number of people coming in and out.
