11 More Inmates In Denver Jail Test Positive For Coronavirus

Amber Fisher
·3 min read

DENVER, CO — At least 11 more inmates in Denver's Downtown Detention Center have tested positive for the new coronavirus since Friday, the city's Joint Information Center confirmed. As of Tuesday, at least 75 inmates in both of the city's jails have tested positive since the outbreak began in Colorado.

The city's Downtown Detention Center reported that 56 of its inmates have been infected with the coronavirus, and three inmates have recovered, the city said. As of Tuesday, 34 of the center's inmates were in isolation with COVID-19 symptoms and were being tested by Denver health officials.

The Denver County Jail reported three positive cases, two of which were released from jail, a spokesperson for the city's Joint Information Center confirmed.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Denver: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

All on-site visitations at the jails have been canceled under Denver's stay-at-home order, according to regulations posted by the Denver Sheriff Office. Remote video visitation is permitted.

The Denver Sheriff Office issued the following list of changes amid the spread of COVID-19:

Changes for inmates

  • Limited outside access into the facility

  • Encouraging remote video visitation with family, friends and professionals

  • Enhanced cleaning protocols for all areas of the jails and transport vehicles

  • The jail population has been reduced allowing for better social distancing

  • The courts are reviewing inmate cases with low-level bonds and offenses to determine if these cases can contribute to a reduction in jail population

  • Enhanced medical screening at intake to include the recording of body temperatures

  • Inmates who are exhibiting symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 are being isolated and monitored by medical staff

  • Similar to what is being done across the city, medical staff will make the decision on whether to test an inmate based on their symptoms.

Changes for employees

  • Public lobbies are closed until further notice, with the exception of jail bonding, professional visits, and official court business

  • Increased cleaning and sanitizing of all facilities and vehicles

  • Provided protective gear to use when necessary

  • Recommend employees stay home if sick; wash hands often; avoid touching face; minimize contact with others; maintaining at least 6 feet of distance when possible; and use disinfectant spray or wipes to sanitize work spaces and department vehicles

  • Personal protective equipment is being worn when appropriate

  • Suspended all in-service and specialized trainings

  • Canceled all large group activities such as our internal monthly meetings, facility tours, community meetings

  • Canceled all group fitness classes and provided online alternative for employees

  • Closed employee workout gyms at every facility

  • Amended the recruit training curriculum and practices to maintain social distancing guidelines

  • We're also authorizing some professional staff to work from home if their duties allow

Read more:



This article originally appeared on the Denver Patch