AS OF MAY 29, 2020, WE HAVE 18 CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19

 

 

Since our first cases of COVID-19 were detected, we have been in constant communication with the Virginia Department of Health, seeking their guidance and recommendations on how to proceed. One of the requests the Superintendent made from the very beginning was a point prevalence survey (PPS), which allows for the testing of all staff and inmates to give a better picture of how widespread the virus may be. Today, May 29, 2020, the National Guard, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Health, conducted the PPS, testing all staff and every inmate. The specimens were collected and sent to the state lab for testing. We do not know when we will receive the results.

Currently, we have 18 inmates with positive cases of COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases in our staff. On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 2 civilian kitchen employees and 11 inmate kitchen workers were tested. The results were received today and all 13 were negative.

Tomorrow, May 30, 2020, RSW command staff and local VDH representatives will be participating in a conference call with the CDC to discuss best practices for correctional facilities while dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.

We will continue to update you once more information is received.

As of 730pm on May 28, 2020, we have 18 confirmed cases.

We are continuing to work closely with the Virginia Department of Health and will update you once more information is available.

 

 

COVID-19 Information Update:

May 24, 2020

COVID-19 Information Update:

Late yesterday evening, we received confirmation from the state lab that a second inmate has tested positive for COVID-19. This inmate, along with the first positive case, is being isolated away from other inmates.

In addition, we have several other suspected cases, which are all segregated in one housing unit. This morning, the RSW command staff and Director of Nursing had a teleconference with the Virginia Department of Health, who are providing direction as we move forward. We are working with the VDH and following their recommendations for the proper way to monitor, treat, and test any suspected cases. Today, VDH will be testing several inmates and sending away to the state lab for the results.

All inmates within the facility are being closely monitored. Every inmate has been provided a mask and our staff all have proper PPE. Every possible precaution is being taken and we have scheduled cleaning several times every day throughout the building.

Obviously this will be an evolving situation and we will keep everyone as updated as possible.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, an individual was committed to the RSW Regional Jail who stated he may have been exposed to COVID-19. During his intake screening, he disclosed that approximately one week ago, he had been in contact with someone possibly exposed to Coronavirus. He reported having a cough and that he had no symptoms until the day of his incarceration. He was screened by the medical staff and he did not exhibit any additional symptoms associated with virus. He was tested with a COVID-19 antibody test and the result was positive. A second antibody test was administered with the same results. A swab was obtained and submitted to the state lab for testing the same day. We received the state lab results on May 21, 2020, which came back positive for COVID-19.

This person was quarantined from his initial admittance and committal to the facility and will remain so, until medically cleared by the Health Department, Epidemiologist and CDC’s guidelines. The parties who transported him to our facility were contacted and made aware of the situation the same day he was brought in. Our staff has proper PPE and has been instructed on how to properly interact and provide care for him to reduce the risk of exposure to themselves and others.

  

 

Recently, the Virginia Department of Corrections issued a COVID-19 Response Inmate Early Release Plan for State Responsible Inmates Held in a Local Correctional Facility (see below)

Per this plan, The Virginia Department of Corrections will periodically provide local facilities a list of inmates that are eligible and being considered for early release. On May 11, 2020, RSW received our first list from VA. DOC of inmates that are eligible and being considered. This list includes all eligible inmates that will be considered between now and the end of July.

Malik Battle

Terry Laing

Please understand, this is the Virginia Department of Corrections’ program for state responsible inmates. RSW does not have any authority on how the program is operated or the ability to add or remove someone from the list. As we receive updated lists from VA. DOC, we will disseminate that information on our Facebook page and website. Any questions or concerns regarding this program should be directed to the Virginia Department of Corrections, 1-804-674-3000.

Please click on the link below for more information from the Virginia Department of Corrections:

VA DOC COVID-19 Early Release Plan 

 

Like everyone, we are monitoring this ongoing situation, including any changes or updates to the Governor's orders. At this time, all programs, visitations, Community Custody programs (work force/work release), delayed confinements, and weekenders will remain suspended until at least June 10, 2020. We will continue to update everyone as more information becomes available and thank you for your patience.

 

  

Please click on the link below to see updates that we have published for COVID-19: 

   

COVID-19 PUBLIC UPDATE