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COVID-19 situation in county jail improved

It’s difficult to social distance in a jail.

The virus has spread in many correctional facilities across the country.

By the middle of October nearly 60 percent of inmates at the Warren County Jail had tested positive for the virus. Visitation was stopped and court appearances went back to being by video.

But the situation has improved to the point where officials are discussing when to return to normal jail operations.

“No one is currently in isolation,” Jonie Smitley, the county’s infectious disease nurse, said on Thursday, “and no one is symptomatic.”

She explained that the facility is down to one male and one female quarantine unit and that there are currently two staff members dealing with positive tests.

The idea of bringing back visitation has been discussed, Warden Jon Collins said.

“If we can get through the holidays with no new cases, we’re going back to normal jail operations,” he said. “Visitation, AA, NA, self help groups and our work programs will begin first of the year.”

The improved situation doesn’t mean that the jail has let its guard down.

Smitley said staff are “continuing to hold to a high standard of precautions, safety standards and disinfection.

“The staff have gone above and beyond in their efforts to not only reduce but illuminate all cases of covid in the facility,” she argued. “They have shown great strength and perseverance, working hard and pulling together. They deserve our highest respect.”

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