Four inmates are in quarantine at Lebanon County Correctional Facility following the first positive COVID-19 tests at the prison.
Three of the inmates tested positive so far, with the test of the fourth inmate pending. A medical worker has also tested positive.
The news was announced in a statement last night by Lebanon County administrator and public information officer Jamie Wolgemuth.
“The inmates are being housed in a quarantined area away from general population and the medical worker has been quarantined at home for a week,” said Wolgemuth in the statement.
Inmates with confirmed COVID-19 cases would be included in the ZIP code where the facility is located, in the same way other types of facilities while people live at, such as long-term care facilities, are included, said Department of Health press secretary Nate Wardle in an email to LebTown.
Wolgemuth noted that Lebanon County and LCCF have been working since March to limit potential exposure to COVID-19. LebTown previously reported on some of the measures implemented at the facility.
According to Wolgemuth, the quarantine area was made possible by a 35% drop in the inmate population over the last three months, a result of alternative sentencing strategies by county courts and reduced intake volume. An inmate population said to be typically in the mid-500’s has been reduced to 283 prisoners as of Tuesday.
“The administration of the LCCF will continue to work closely with medical staff to implement additional measures, as needed,” said Wolgemuth in the release.
Read all of LebTown’s COVID-19 coverage here.
Is there a story you think LebTown should report? Let our newsroom know using the form below.
Help us provide journalism Lebanon County needs.
If you are thankful for LebTown, consider joining as a member. Members get an inside look at our publishing schedule each week, plus invites to a members-only Facebook group and happy hours.
Learn more and join now here.
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates each weekday at 3 p.m.
This article was updated with additional information from the Pa. DOH.