FRANKLIN — Four inmates at the Johnson County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, the sheriff's office said Wednesday.
According to a report from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, these are the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the jail since the novel coronavirus pandemic began.
Sheriff Duane Burgess in a press release said the sheriff's office put safety measures in place at the beginning of the outbreak and has worked with the Johnson County Health Department to "ensure that we are moving in the right direction to protect the inmates housed in the jail."
Among the protective measures taken, Burgess said inmates have been given surgical masks to protect themselves. Cell blocks and individual cells have been given extra attention to keep them clean and disinfected and potentially infected inmates have been quarantined.
Burgess said the courts in appropriate circumstances have released certain inmates to help make the number of inmates more manageable.
"As we continue to receive new information from the CDC and aother health authorities, we will continue to follow their requirements and guidance to maximize the health and safety of the staff and of the individuals housed in our facility," Burgess said.
The four inmates who tested positive are in quarantine, Burgess said. Testing and other safety protocols for the other inmates will remain in effect and be updated with developing requirements and guidelines, he said.
