Late last week, several correctional officers displayed symptoms of illness at work and have since tested positive for COVID-19. No incarcerated persons have tested positive or showed symptoms of illness. Nine correctional officers tested positive and are now off work. An additional six officers are quarantined based on contact with infected coworkers. Contact tracers from the County Health Department are attempting to determine the source of the outbreak. In consultation with the Health Department, all correctional staff and incarcerated persons will be tested during the next 72 hours and will be treated or quarantined as necessary. This is the first outbreak in Santa Cruz County jails. Enhanced safety procedures, screening, and hygiene protocols to protect staff and incarcerated persons were put in place in March and have been updated as new information and methods to prevent infections develop. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work closely with the Health Department to reduce the likelihood of further spread of the virus in correctional facilities.
