Positive Test for COVID-19 in Detention Facility

On August 10, 2020, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office started mass COVID-19 testing of our inmate population of over 1500 inmates.  This testing was based on the recommendation of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  The contracted medical provider of the detention facility along with the assistance of the local health department collected tests over a 5 day period.

During this 5 day period, approximately 60 inmates per day were being booked into or released from the detention facility.  Some of the inmates tested were released from the facility prior to receiving the results of their submitted tests.  As of August 20, 2020, 523 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, while 747 inmates have tested negative.  Some of the positive cases had previously been reported on the Sedgwick County Dashboard.  On August 20, 2020, the following information was added to the dashboard:

469 positive cases from the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility

700 negative cases from the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility

As results were received, inmates were separated and housed based on the results of their tests to minimize the spreading of COVID-19.  Inmates that have reported symptoms of COVID-19 have received treatment from the contracted medical provider.  No inmates have required hospitalization because of testing positive for COVID-19. 

Based on the CDC recommendations, non-symptomatic positive cases are considered recovered 10 days post-test.  It is estimated approximately 400 inmates will be considered recovered by the end of the weekend. 

We are continuing to maintain sanitization standards to take care of our staff and inmates which include issuing extra soap, and having disinfectant available as needed.  All staff members have been issued masks to wear, and all inmates have been issued face coverings for the last several months.  We also have a full medical staff on site.

If more symptomatic inmates need to be quarantined or isolated, we will refer to our plan to minimize further exposure to staff and inmates.   

The safety and health of our staff, community and inmates is paramount.