Submitted Article
Bradford County Officials are announcing that two individuals associated with the Bradford County Correctional Facility (BCCF) have tested positive for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).
The first case involves an inmate, who traveled to Bradford County from out of the region on the day of his arrest and was committed to the BCCF on March 17, 2020. He reported upon arrest that he had previous exposure to COVID-19, but when examined at a local medical facility before being transported to the jail, he did not exhibit any symptoms associated with the virus and therefore was not a candidate for testing. Once admitted to the facility, the inmate was immediately placed in medical isolation with a surgical mask. His intake was completed on 3/18 and he has remained masked in medical isolation. He has remained without symptoms since his admission.
Last week, BCCF received a report that the arresting officers had become ill and were showing signs consistent with COVID-19. As a result, on 3/26 it was decided to test the inmate for COVID-19. On 3/27 a positive result was received. The Department of Health has been notified. The inmate has been and will remain in medical isolation for the prescribed period. He still does not exhibit symptoms of Covid-19 but will continue to be monitored.
The second case involved a contracted medical provider who was in the facility for several hours on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The provider had no symptoms before or during the time in the facility and followed standard medical precautions. While the provider did meet with several inmates, minimal if any physical contact was reported. This provider has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. Inmates who met with the provider are being examined for symptoms twice daily. The entire inmate population at BCCF is being checked three times a week for Covid-19 symptoms, and our jail staff is checked daily before entering the facility.
Medical services at the facility are provided by PrimeCare Medical, Inc., and they have initiated internal policies and staff training on our behalf to ensure that all reasonable and expected steps are in place to prevent the spread of the virus within the facility. Also, we are working with the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Corrections, to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates at the Facility.
To receive the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19 in Bradford County, please visit the Bradford County Department of Public Safety Facebook page or the Bradford County website at bradfordcountypa.org.