Inmates, staff test positive for COVID-19 at Kootenai County Jail

The following is a news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office:

COEUR d’ALENE – This morning the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office received results from some Covid-19 tests that were completed last week.

There are currently 28 total COVID-19 positive results out of an inmate population of 358. 23 were inmates and five were staff. The first positive test result was Wednesday, Aug. 5. There were an additional three positive results on Friday, Aug. 7 and an additional 23 were reported Monday morning. The vast majority of those testing positive are asymptomatic and all those who tested positive are being quarantined.

Medical staff at the jail are conducting phased testing of inmates and staff based on exposure and symptoms. All jail staff are required to wear face masks and proper PPE when inside the facility. Any officers or visitors are also required to wear a face covering when entering the secured parts of the jail. The facility is being sanitized regularly based on guidelines from the CDC.

Additionally, all arrestees are screened prior to entering the facility by onsite medical personnel.

The safety of the inmates and staff are our first priority and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is taking every step necessary to stop any further spread of the Covid-19 Virus within the facility.