Coronavirus: Middlesex Jail Inmate Tests Positive

A person being held at the Middlesex Jail and House of Corrections tested positive for the new coronavirus. The person was placed in medical isolation and their roommate was sent to medical quarantine as a precaution, according to the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.

The person had a fever on Thursday and was tested the same day. The person's roommate has not shown symptoms but was tested as a precaution — officials are waiting on the results. The positive case pushed forward the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office's pre-established response plan.

“The health and safety of all those held at, working at and visiting the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction are our top priorities,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Each and every step we have taken to date and will take moving forward are aimed at meeting those priorities.”

The sheriff's office outlined the plan as follows:

• Keeping the individual medically isolated in the health services unit (HSU).

• Limiting movement in-and-out of the unit in which the individual was previously residing to only those presently living in the unit and essential staff.

• Staff assigned to the unit in the last several days have been notified, told not to report to work until further notice and asked to speak with their medical providers.

• Officers working in the unit will utilize precautions including the donning of masks and gloves. Nurses working in the unit will also don gowns in addition to the masks and gloves.

• All incarcerated individuals in the unit will be provided masks. They will continue to have access to soap, water and showers.

• Mental health staff will increase its presence throughout the facility.

• Peer Support Team members and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will be available to staff.

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