VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office says 10 deputies along with 70 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
The tests were conducted between October 28 and 30. Over 1521 inmates, deputies, civilians and contractors were tested during that time.
Officials say the number of inmates who have tested positive is approximately 6% of the jail’s 1,110 inmates while only 2% of the sheriff’s office 500 staff tested positive.
The inmates who tested positive have been notified by medical staff and placed in quarantine, where they are being closely monitored and provided any needed medical care.
They have also been given an opportunity to notify their friends and family.
Officials say no inmates have required hospitalization due to COVID-19.
The staff members who tested positive are quarantining at home and have been directed to seek medical attention, if needed, until cleared by a physician to return to work.
he Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office’s full COVID-19 testing data is available on its website at vbso.net/coronavirus.
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The VBSO issued a correction on the numbers to its website:
“The VBSO previously reported that 10 deputies tested positive as a result of the Oct. 28-30 mass testing (point prevalence survey) with the Virginia Department of Health. However, that number was inaccurate. Four deputies tested positive as a result of that PPS (six of the positive tests were invalid because they were retests of previously positive individuals who should not have been retested, per the VDH).”
Read the full statement here.
