Alabama Dept. Of Corrections Worker Positive For Coronavirus

An Alabama Department of Corrections administrative worker has tested positive for the coronavirus, prison officials said in a news release Thursday. This is the first confirmed case within the ADOC.

There are currently no positive COVID-19 cases reported within the inmate population, officials said. Due to HIPAA restrictions and security concerns, ADOC officials are not releasing the name of the person or the facility they work for.

"We will continue to closely monitor inmate health at all facilities," they said.

According to the ADOC, anyone within the department whose been in direct contact with the infected person are now in self-quarantine for a 14-day period and will be monitored by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) for signs and symptoms due to direct exposure.

ADOC officials said they will continue to work closely with Governor Ivey’s Coronavirus Task Force, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and infectious disease control experts to take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential spread of the virus.

“The ADOC has been actively preparing for the spread of COVID-19 throughout Alabama, which allowed us to quickly put in place necessary preventive measures and protocols to best protect our staff and inmate population,” said Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “Unfortunately, no one is immune to this virus. The physical state of our facilities and our crowded inmate populations are additional challenges we are working diligently to address as we navigate the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. The entire Department is focused on reducing the potential impact of this disease on our correctional system, while maintaining critical operational, rehabilitative, health, and mental health services.”

Dunn said the ADOC has the ability to test inmates within the facilities; however, testing will only occur after the ADPH approves a physician’s order. System-wide preventative measures in place include temperature screening of all staff prior to entering the facilities, increased sanitization of facilities with CDC-recommended cleaning supplies, and the suspension of visitation, general legal visits, and work-release and work-center programs. The Department is also minimizing internal transfers of inmates on a case-by-case basis.

Because of the unique aspects of each of the prison facilities and their respective populations, ADOC officials said they remain focused on addressing any potential case of COVID-19.

"We will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19, and make additional operational and preventative decisions as the situation evolves," they said.

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