2nd prison guard in maximum security unit tests positive for COVID-19

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The Delaware Department of Correction announced that a second correctional officer at the  James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna has tested positive for COVID-19. 

 The Correctional Officer last worked at  Vaughn on Tuesday, March 31, where he was assigned to the maximum-security area.

Later that  day, after beginning to experience flu-like symptoms, the officer sought medical attention and a COVID-19 test was administered. 

The positive COVID-19 test result was received late afternoon on Saturday. Officers who worked in close contact over the past 14 days are being notified to self-isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms.

 This Officer likely had contact while in the maximum-security  area with the Correctional Officer who tested positive for COVID-19.The case was announced on Friday. Both Officers are continuing to self-isolate and are recovering at home.

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“The DOC is acting swiftly at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center and across our facilities to confront the risks of COVID-19, with new protective and quarantine measures on top of the rigorous prevention and screening practices that have been in place for several weeks,” Commissioner Claire DeMatteis said. 

No inmate within Delaware’s correctional system has tested positive for COVID-19.

 The DOC is monitoring all officers, other employees and inmates at JTVCC for any symptoms and will immediately isolate, assess and treat any individual who demonstrates any sign of illness.  Additionally, DOC is taking the following steps to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to the JTVCC maximum security housing area where the two officers worked:   

  • Inmates and staff are undergoing twice daily symptom checks, including a temperature check with a thermometer.
  • Inmate movement is being further limited, and inmates getting exercise individually in an isolated area.
  • All officers are required to wear face masks and gloves at all times.
  • Additional deep cleaning of the maximum-security area continues.

All persons entering any DOC facility are screened for COVID-19, including a series of questions and a forehead temperature check with a digital thermometer.  

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