Outbreak At Mercer County Jail, 12 Test Positive For Coronavirus

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — An outbreak is being reported at the Mercer County Correction Center where eight inmates and four staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus.

All inmates who have tested positive have been quarantined in the Medical Social Distance Unit for observation and treatment, and employees who have tested positive are on leave, according to Mercer County Spokeswoman Julie Willmot.

The jail located in Lambertville, which has about a total of 205 people, was given the "outbreak" status by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) on Monday. Due to the status, the jail will now have to take orders from NJDOH and the local health officer.

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All inmates are being tested for the coronavirus on Monday, which is expected to return "a significant number" of positive cases.

As of Monday, there have been no COVID-19 related deaths at the jail.

Since March, the jail has placed visitor restrictions and the facility has been regularly screening for fever and respiratory symptoms in all staff, contractors, inmates and anyone coming into the facility.

• Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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