Calhoun County jail has experienced an outbreak within two pods of the correctional facility. 24 positive COVID-19 cases have been identified among inmates, and 2 employees have tested positive. This outbreak was identified in a single geographic area of the jail that primarily house ICE detainees. The majority of the positive individuals are asymptomatic; two people are housed in the medical unit with mild symptoms.
All positive cases are isolated in a separate housing unit, and close contacts are quarantined for 14 days, even if they tested negative. The jail has strict cleaning protocols that are ongoing during the pandemic, including cleaning throughout the day of all surfaces, chairs, doorknobs, etc. When a positive case is identified, the cell and housing unit is cleaned thoroughly, linens are cleaned using dissolvable bags, and mattresses are completely sanitized. The jail follows cleaning protocols recommended for congregate housing by the CDC, as well as all federal, state and local guidance for mitigating the spread of Covid within facilities.
The Calhoun County Public Health Department is working closely with the jail administration and medical staff on investigating this outbreak.
More information will be provided during the Calhoun County Joint Information Center briefing at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, on the City of Battle Creek Facebook Page.
