Sheriff’s Office To Test JeffCo Inmates For COVID-19

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Alabama, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced that inmates at Jefferson County Jail will be tested for the virus.

Deputy Chief David Agee of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said inmates have the option not to get tested if they choose. Agee said the testing will be at both Jefferson county jail locations, Birmingham and Bessemer.

"Our goal is to identify anyone who might have the COVID 19 virus, inform the inmate and separate him/her from the general population. We have taken extraordinary measures to protect the jail environment from the spread of COVID 19 including screening all new incoming inmates before they enter the jail," Agee said in a release. "All Deputies and unsworn personnel will also be tested for COVID 19."