Two Imperial County inmates test positive for COVID-19

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Inmates in jail are among one of the most vulnerable populations to contract COVID-19. Here in Imperial county Jail, two inmates have already tested positive. 

All throughout the country jails have been reporting cases of COVID-19. In jails hand, sanitizer isn’t allowed and social distancing in confined spaces is challenging. 

Imperial County Sargeant Aaron Arreola says that they are maintaining their distance.

“In an emergency room, you have your own room to yourself, pretty much the same aspect in isolation.” 

Arreola says the two people that contracted the virus are also in isolation. 

“Prior to that, they had already been isolated due to the fact they were showing symptoms of COVID-19. Those individuals are in an isolation room being watched by our medical staff.” 

He also says their condition is stable. 

“I can’t really tell you to much you or focus on their well-being  all I can tell you is that they’re well, they’re in good health, they’re not in critical conditions."

To stop the spread California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the release of  3,500 inmates who are within 60 days of their earliest possible release date and are not currently serving a sentence for a violent or sex crime. 

One inmate says he is afraid of contracting the virus inside. 

“It’s like a monster you can’t run away from.” 

The Sheriffs Department says they are doing everything they can to stop the spread of COVID-19.