Jefferson County Works To Control Covid-19 Cases At Jail

BIRMINGHAM, AL — After staff members and inmates tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks, Jefferson County is working to control the spread of the virus at the Jefferson County Jail.

All inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been quarantined away from the general inmate population, according to Sgt. Joni Money of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Any members of the staff who have tested positive are quarantining off site and will not return to work until they have successfully tested negative for the virus.

Money said new inmates introduced into the jail have been limited to those who are violent felons that cannot make bond. As previously reported, the jail has established an outdoor booking area so that most inmates can be booked in and complete bonding documentation in a facility outside of the jail facility. This should continue to limit the exposure of inmates housed within the Jefferson County Jail.

The current number of inmates who are quarantined is 45. As of Thursday, 16 deputies who have tested positive and are awaiting a negative test result.