MIDDLETON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A COVID-19 outbreak at a Massachusetts jail has grown over the weekend, infecting dozens of staff and inmates.
Earlier this week, Middleton Jail in Essex County suspended in-person visits, after the first 14 inmates and nine employees tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement released Saturday, the Middleton Sheriff’s Department said over the week, a total of 25 inmates, 21 employees, and two contractors from the jail have tested positive for the virus.
“Like with so many other areas across the state, we are seeing a surge in this highly-contagious illness and this is despite having the most rigorous of health and safety protocols in place,” Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said. “We continue to work around the clock to fight back against this virus and to ensure the health and safety of all who live and work at our Middleton facility.”
According to WBZ-TV, as of Saturday none of the jail's positive cases had been hospitalized, and the state Department of Public Health is assisting with testing the rest of the inmates and staff.
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