A South Central Regional Jail correctional officer who self-quarantined on April 15 tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, the only such case among any WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff or inmates.
The officer, who remains in good condition, had been wearing a mask throughout his shifts since March 27. He has quarantined himself at home since April 15 when his wife, who works at a long-term care facility, alerted him that she may have been exposed to the virus. She, too, has tested positive but is also recovering and in good condition.
The Bureau for Public Health at the W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources, which is leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has concluded that no further action at the facility is required as a result of the officer’s responsible actions.
South Central and the rest of the state’s correctional facilities continue to follow the COVID-19 response plan developed by DCR. This policy embraces the latest information and best practices to provide the necessary guidance and direction to ensure superintendents, other administrators and staff can make the best decisions for the health and safety of everyone in their facilities. The public version of the policy is available on the “Correctional Facilities” section of West Virginia’s website for its COVID-19 response, coronavirus.wv.gov.
