Coronavirus: 2 Bristol County Security Staffers Test Positive

ATTLEBORO, MA — Two security staff officers in the Bristol County Sheriff's Office have tested positive for the new coronavirus. One of the patients is a correctional officer and the other is a K9 unit officer. Both began to experience symptoms in late March and have been off duty since that time.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said both officers are experiencing "minor symptoms" and are "doing well."

"They're feeling OK," Sheriff Hodgson said. "That's very encouraging."

Hodgson said the correctional officer's last shift was March 31. He did not feel well in subsequent days and notified the Sheriff's office of a positive test this week. Hodgson said he will be out of work until he tests negative. Hodgson said the patient worked in a specialized housing facility in the men's facility. The unit was empty in his last day and had one inmate, who has tested negative, in the day prior to his last day on the job.

The K9 unit officer's job was to secure the outdoor perimeter of the Dartmouth facility. He had limited contact with those inside the facility. Hodgson said his K9 partner does not appear to be showing any symptoms consistent with the new coronavirus.

Hodgson said that, while the Center for Disease Control has not determined any transmission between humans and canines, the K9 has been separated from the patient officer as an added precaution.

A nurse from the Sheriff's office who previously tested positive has successfully recovered and has been cleared to return to work.

"I couldn't be more proud of our staff," Hodgson said. "Everyone on our team has been extremely self-disciplined about the protocols and procedures in place to prevent the spread of this disease. Their dedication and commitment to our professional standards and operational disciplines is a testament to the 100% score on our last two national accreditation audits.

"The inmates, as well, have been focused on hygiene and doing their part to flatten the curve," he added. "We are all in this together."

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