UPDATE 1/22/2022: On January 10, Sheriff Troy Berry issued a press release regarding the management of COVID-19 at the Charles County Detention Center (CCDC) during the nation’s largest spike in the virus ever. “In past months, there has been a campaign of misinformation being shared on social media regarding COVID-19 at the detention center. Hearing misinformation was circulating, I issued a press release informing our community of how the challenges being faced nationally were being addressed in the CCDC”.(Read below)
“Recently, the misinformation relating to COVID-19 in the detention center has resurfaced. I want to be abundantly clear. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charles County Detention Center has taken every precaution necessary to keep inmates and staff safe. They developed strategic plans and contingencies to manage the threat of COVID-19,” said Sheriff Berry.
At a time the entire world experienced an increase of COVID-19 cases, the detention center identified inmates and staff members who tested positive, in late December 2021. Once detected, the on-site medical care staff (Prime Care Medical) and CCDC’s employees put into action their contingency plan.
In accordance with the protocol set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inmates who tested positive were placed in isolation–much like what the CDC recommends to people outside of a detention center. In addition, inmates and staff continue to wear masks, social distance, and they are offered the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
“Please know the CCDC continues to work directly with the Charles County Health Department, the Charles County District and Circuit Courts, and Prime Care Medical regarding the status of inmates. The strategic plans and contingencies implemented by staff have proven successful in stopping the spread of the virus in our facility. Working in collaboration with our partnering agencies will continue to ensure we exceed industry standards and embrace the recommended procedures to best maintain a safe and secure environment,” said Sheriff Berry.
The CCDC will continue working with health care providers and the Charles County Health Department to manage those affected and ensure best practices are followed to address any future exposures.
The Charles County Detention Center (CCDC), in coordination with the Charles County Health Department and Prime Care Medical–the CCDC’s on-site medical provider–is currently addressing Covid-19 cases inside the detention center. None of the exposures have required hospitalization and resulted in cold-like symptoms. The situation was immediately and effectively managed following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, which mitigated the spread of the virus within the facility to inmates and staff members.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the CCDC has taken every precaution necessary to keep inmates and staff safe. They developed strategic plans and contingencies to address the threat of Covid-19. At a time the entire nation has experienced a larger than average series of outbreaks, the CCDC discovered a few inmates and staff members who tested positive. Once detected, the on-site medical care staff and CCDC employees put into action their contingency plan.
In accordance with the protocol set forth by the CDC, inmates who tested positive were isolated–much like what the CDC recommends to people outside of a detention center. In addition, inmates and staff continue to wear masks, social distance and are offered vaccinations. All medical and sanitation services have been available to inmates and staff.
“These are challenging times in our nation and world regarding the Covid-19 virus. The medical and mental well-being of all community members are of the utmost concern of the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Berry.
The CCDC will continue working with health care providers and the Charles County Health Department to manage those affected in addition to ensuring best practices are followed to address any future exposures.