ANDERSON — Until now, Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger says his jail has "dodged the bullet" when it comes to COVID-19. That is no longer the case.
14 inmates at the jail in downtown Anderson have tested positive for the virus. Two have definite symptoms, according to the sheriff.
"A facility like this with seven to 10 new arrestees everyday, even though they go to quarantine, this was bound to happen," said Mellinger. The jail has 207 beds, but currently houses 235 inmates. Living in close quarters and with a lot of movement, COVID-19 infection is a real concern.
Mellinger plans to have 15 other inmates tested Friday—people who may have been in contact with the 14 who tested positive.
The sheriff is also reaching out to Madison County judges to see if some non-violent offenders can be released from the jail. It's a decision, by law, only a judge can make.
