Nevada Department of Corrections: Prison employee becomes first case of COVID-19
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 3:11pm
The Nevada Department of Corrections announced Thursday that its first confirmed case of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is affecting an employee at High Desert State Prison, located north of Las Vegas.
“Our top priority is the health of staff and inmates at our facilities,” said Charles Daniels, NDOC Director. “Our preparation and response is deliberate and in accordance with agency contingency plans and protocols. Now that we have a confirmed case, our next goal is mitigating and ultimately preventing the sustained spread of COVID-19.”
To contain the virus at HDSP, NDOC has implemented procedures consistent with national and state health and human services guidelines. These procedures include:
The employee self-quarantining at home. HDSP inmates being isolated in their cells.
NDOC medical staff will continue observing inmates and staff for signs of the virus, which include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
Surface Sanitation Teams, using a 10 percent bleach concentration solution will continue to thoroughly clean surfaces at all facilities.
NDOC says it will continue to closely monitor the situation at HDSP and all other NDOC facilities as it continues to work closely with local and state public health officials to ensure the health and safety of staff and inmates.
