The entire population of a jail in Georgia is under quarantine due to COVID-19.
Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap, in a post Wednesday on Facebook, said the county jail is being quarantined due to positive tests among some of the jail’s population. Most of those affected are asymptomatic but “we think it is prudent to quarantine to prevent further spread,” he said.
The quarantine is effective as of Wednesday, Millsap said in the post. He did not say how many inmates are housed at the jail or the number under quarantine. He also did not say how long the quarantine would last or provide details on how the quarantine process would work inside the jail.
In his announcement, Millsap said people will still be able to do video visitation, telephone calls, and emails with those currently in custody. Millsap cautioned relatives not to contact the sheriff’s office to inquire about an inmate’s status, noting that due to federal health care regulations, the sheriff’s office is not permitted to release that information.
“If the inmate tests positive, they will be told the results of their test and they can share it with you if they wish,” Millsap said.
