20 JSO inmates test positive for COVID-19

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sheriff Mike Williams said in a statement Sunday that 20 inmates at a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office facility tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to a contract employee who tested positive.

On Friday, June 19, the contract employee was exposed to inmates and employees. That same day, two inmates tested positive for COVID-19.

Sunday, June 21, JSO received notification that an additional 18 inmates tested positive for the virus.

All inmates known to be related to these incidents have been isolated and tested. JSO employees who were exposed are self-isolating and testing.

The Florida Department of Health is helping with contact tracing and testing, according to Williams.

Williams also said FDOH is working to test all occupants of the jail as soon as possible.

Newly arrested inmates will be tested upon entry or placed in a 14-day quarantine if they refuse to be tested.

Williams said most inmates who have tested positive are asymptomatic, with the worst symptoms reported being fever and body aches.

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