NewsLocal NewsIn Your ParishSt. Landry Parish

Actions

Ten St. Landry Parish inmates test positive for COVID-19, new measures added to fight virus

st landry parish gov.jpg
Posted at 1:33 PM, Dec 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-09 15:17:47-05

The St. Landry Parish Government and St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office say they are monitoring the parish jail conditions after ten inmates test positive for COVID-19.

Officials say that 45 inmates and employees of the parish jail were provided with a COVID-19 test.

After receiving results, ten inmates were identified as being positive for the virus.

They say that jail officials have worked to keep a COVID-19 outbreak at bay and that the jail was already practicing the Center's for Disease Control's guidance for those incarcerated.

The jail will now begin taking additional actions to keep inmates and employees healthy.

“We are following state and CDC protocols and are now managing our positive COVID cases per those protocols,” said Jessie Bellard, St. Landry Parish President.

St. Landry Parish Government is responsible for the parish jail.

Bellard said those inmates who tested positive have been isolated from the rest of the population.

“Additionally, we have taken extra steps when an inmate is being processed for entry into the jail,” he said. “Rapid tests are now given, and any new inmate that tests positive is isolated and quarantined to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the facility. “

According to a release, jail officials are also providing inmates with antibiotics and vitamins to fight the virus and prevent any spread. Employees are being equipped with the proper personal protection equipment.

Bellard said none of the inmates or employees have required hospitalization and that jail nurses have continued to monitor their conditions.

“We will continue to take the necessary steps to mitigate potential exposure,” said Bellard.

------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe to our Youtube channel