Saida Maalin | Contributor
San Bernardino County jail officials have reported additional inmates and sheriff department employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Recently seven inmates, three at West Valley District Detention Center and four at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Facility were tested, provided medical treatment and isolated while being monitored by medical professionals.
“All inmates continue to be provided with face coverings, cleaning supplies, soap, and are urged to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day. They are routinely reminded of the need to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said San Bernardino County officials.
Also, two sheriff’s employees who tested positive were sent home to self isolate. An additional four employees have tested positive for the virus and were sent home to quarantine.
To date a total of 163 department employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and 132 have recovered. In addition, 263 inmates have tested positive to date. Department employees are expected to return to work in the coming weeks once recovered from the virus.
As of Tuesday, August 14 San Bernardino County reported 39,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 561 deaths..
As COVID-19 continues to surge in the county, updated information on case statistics and general information is available daily at https://sbcovid19.com/.
Residents are advised to call the COVID-19 helpline at 909-387-3911 for general information and/or resources in relation to the virus Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be aware, the hotline is not to be used for medical calls.