Two more correctional officers in Nebraska have tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus. One person is employed at the Douglas County Department of Corrections, while the other works at the Nebraska State Prison in Lincoln.
On Tuesday, Douglas County jail officials said that the employee had tested positive and was currently hospitalized. This is the third officer at the Douglas County Jail who has tested positive since the onset of the pandemic. Mike Myers, director of Douglas County Department of Corrections, said there is no evidence the three cases are related to one another. “The health and well-being of all our staff is our top priority. We are anxiously awaiting the full recoveries of each of our affected staff members.”
Myers says Douglas County Corrections has about 500 employees and approximately 1,200 inmates. “We are continuing our efforts to keep the facility as safe as possible. We are continuously implementing additional protective practices based on guidance from experts in the field.”
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services officials say their most recent NSP staff member to be infected is currently self-isolating at home.
Prison officials say notification will be provided to those who work and live in the facility as to the new test-positive case. In addition, anyone who may have had close contact with the staff member will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.
This brings the number of NDCS staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 up to twelve.