Coronavirus Outbreak Grows At Cook County Jail

COOK COUNTY, IL — The coronavirus outbreak at Cook County Jail continues to grow as more detainees and correctional staff test positive. The detainees who tested positive are being kept in isolation and away from other inmates. In addition, 300 detainees were released after court-ordered bond reviews, Injustice Watch reported.

Seventeen detainees tested positive for the virus and 31 individuals have pending test results. Two detainees had negative test results. Cermak Health Services continues to monitor the other inmates in the living units where the 17 detainees were being held for symptoms of COVID-19, officials said.

In addition, four correctional staff members and one sheriff's police officer tested positive for COVID-19. Statewide, 1,865 coronavirus cases of have been reported. The death toll now stands at 19 across Illinois.

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The total "behind the wall" population at Cook County Jail is 5,306. Injustice Watch reported that 180 people were booked into the jail on Monday and Tuesday. Low-risk detainees and those with health problems are undergoing court-ordered bond reviews, and 300 people have been released this week.

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