WILLIAMS COUNTY, Ohio — A staff member at a Williams County jail has tested positive for coronavirus, Williams County Health Department leaders said Wednesday.
This is the first corrections department staff member to be diagnosed with the virus.
Health officials are working with the facility to conduct contact tracing, a disease investigation in which WCHD nurses and the Ohio Department of Health identify close contacts of this individual.
According to the Corrections Commission of Northwest Ohio, another staff member was also tested, but only one had a positive result.
No personal information is being released at this time in order to protect the individual's privacy.
CCNO officials are working in conjunction with the health department to identify the next steps.
"We will continue to monitor the situation. We will work closely with the Williams County Health Department to ensure all staff and inmates’ safety,” CCNO executive director Dennis Sullivan said.
Leaders at the facility are reportedly taking measures to limit the impact on staff and inmates.
The Williams County Health Department will continue to update cases
on the WCHD website.
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
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Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.