AKRON, Ohio — Editor's note: The video at the top of this story was originally published on Dec. 8, 2020.
An inmate at the Summit County Jail tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, marking the first prisoner to test positive at the facility since the COVID-19 pandemic began several months ago.
Officials confirmed the news early Wednesday afternoon. With the guidance and support of Summit County Public Health, contract racing, testing and safety precautions are being implemented.
Beginning in March, jail officials say Summit County Jail deputies and staff have been taking precautions to minimize the exposure of staff and inmates to the virus. Each inmate is medically screened during the booking process and kept separate from the rest of the jail population for their first 14 days at the facility.
Remote court appearances have been used whenever possible as inmate movement, such as face-to-face contacts with other inmates, have been minimized to reduce possible exposure.
Jail personnel will continue working with Summit County Public Health to minimize the risk, mitigate harm and ensure the safety of jail staff and inmates.
No additional details were immediately available.
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