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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- May 11, 2020
Featured
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Nearly 78 percent of the inmate population at the DC Jail, who tested positive for the coronavirus, have recovered from illnesses and returned to the jail’s general population.
In total, 162 inmates tested positive for the coronavirus, including five additional inmates, according to an email from the DC Department of Corrections (DC DOC) that was sent on May 10.
The number of inmates who have recovered and returned to the jail’s general population increased from 119 inmates on May 7 to 127 inmates on May 10.
The five new positive cases are all male and were held at the jail’s central detention facility (CDF). The five inmates range in age from 27 years old to 36 years old.
As of May 10, there are 35 inmates being held in isolation because of the virus, according to the email. The number of inmates held in isolation at the jail increased by one since May 7.
From April 20 to May 10, 69 inmates, who were housed at the CDF, have tested positive for COVID-19. During that same timeframe, the jail’s correctional treatment facility did not have any inmates test positive. DC DOC did not immediately respond to D.C. Witness’ inquiry on the number of positive cases in each jail facility.
On May 7, the jail announced that four inmates who were in isolation because they tested positive for the coronavirus were released at the end of their sentences. The inmates were provided with personal protective equipment and information on how to self isolate, the email said.
Inmates who could not self isolate were referred to the Department of Human Services for temporary housing at a site developed for isolation and quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five inmates, who previously tested positive for the virus, are receiving treatment at a local hospital.