COVID-19 Spreading Again Behind Bars in Yakima County

Another COVID-19 outbreak is being reported at the Yakima County Jail. Yakima Health District officials say an investigation started after several staff members and inmates tested positive this week.

Staff and inmates have tested positive

They say as of November 23 there have been four confirmed COVID-19 cases from staff and 47 inmate cases in the outbreak. The Yakima Health District is now working closely with the Yakima County Department of Corrections. The district has recommended the jail implement a plan to keep COVID-19 from spreading further in the jail.

The jail is now following health recommendations to stop the spread

•Co-hort individuals that have tested positive and are currently in isolation

•Co-hort individuals who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19

•Test inmates regularly•Continuously monitor staff and inmates for symptoms of COVID-19

•Increase testing for staff Importance of Following Public Health Recommendations Outbreaks, such as this one,serve as a reminder to the community about the importance of reducing community transmission to decrease the chances of COVID-19 being introduced in congregate settings.

Health officials continue to remind everyone to be careful

A press release from the Yakima Health District says;

As Yakima County continues to experience high levels of community transmission, it is crucial that all community members follow public health recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community:
1.Get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
2.Wear a mask when in public indoor settings.
3.Wear a mask when in crowded outdoor settings.
4.Wash hands frequently and sanitize surfaces frequently.
5.Practice social distancing.
6.Limit gatherings with those outside of your household or, if possible, gather virtually.
7.If an individual from a household gets infected with COVID-19, it is critical that the individual isolates at home away from all other household members.
This is the third outbreak at the Yakima County Jail this year.