3 Ulster County Jail Inmates Test Positive For Coronavirus

Michael Woyton
·1 min read

KINGSTON, NY — Three inmates at the Ulster County Jail have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office said Thursday in a Facebook post that this was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that positive tests have been confirmed.

At the time of the announcement, there were 168 inmates at the jail.

"The safety of our population, their families, as well as our staff and their families remain our top priorities," the post said.

"Our agency has been at the forefront of implementing safety protocols since this pandemic began. We have been monitoring the recent increases in positive COVID cases in the public and have been preparing for the eventuality this would enter the jail," officials said.

Law enforcement has instituted the following safety measures:

  • The three inmates have been moved out of the general population and are quarantined within the facility, as will any others who may test positive in the future.

  • The entire inmate population and corrections staff will be tested.

  • Surgical masks are being issued to inmates. Staff has been required to wear them for several months.

  • All in-person visits were previously suspended; only virtual visitation is allowed.

  • Inmates are given credit vouchers upon request for free video calls/visits.

  • The jail continues to work closely with the county health department, state health department and state jail regulatory agencies.

This article originally appeared on the Mid Hudson Valley Patch