OC Inmate Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Jails Close To Visitors

SANTA ANA, CA — An inmate in Orange County's Central Men's Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said, Tuesday. The inmate, a man in his 40s whose name was not released, was booked into the Orange County Jail on June 17, 2018, on suspicion of child endangerment, torture, false imprisonment, and assault with a deadly weapon, a spokesperson said.

"The inmate was recently isolated for flu-like symptoms, and was administered a test for COVID-19," spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. He was tested Tuesday, and the positive test results were received the same day.

The inmate remains in isolation receiving medical treatment with moderate symptoms, and at this time does not require hospitalization, they said.

The Orange County Jail employs an electronic card system inside the facility, which will enable the Department to identify all inmates and staff who have had contact with the inmate to notify them of the potential exposure.

"Inmates who have potentially been exposed will be closely monitored for symptoms, and their movement inside the jail will be restricted for up to 14 days," Braun said. "If an inmate begins to exhibit symptoms, the Department will follow the Communicable Disease protocol, and the inmate will be isolated."

The OC Health Care Agency's Correctional Health Services staff will provide appropriate medical care and testing.

"We have been proactive in implementing containment strategies, and now will be activating our Communicable Disease protocol to safeguard the inmates and staff at the Orange County Jail," said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.

To date, twelve inmates have been isolated due to flu-like symptoms, and eight of them were negative COVID-19 or flu test results.

The remaining three inmates are isolated pending test results.

The Sheriff's Department is requiring enhanced medical screening for all inmates, law enforcement, and staff entering the Orange County Jail, including temperature screening prior to entering any OC Jail facility. The Orange County Jail population has steadily declined over the last ten days.

"It wasn't something we wanted to see happen in our jails," Sheriff Don Barnes said during a briefing with the media. "We will keep monitoring the situation." Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced.