On Aug. 16, 2021, the Juvenile Services Division (JSD) was notified that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Following this notification, in coordination with Public Health and Corrections Health — staff again — immediately acted by implementing pre-planned infectious disease protocols.
All individuals who meet the exposure criteria are being notified and provided with recommendations for quarantine and testing. This includes staying home from work for the entire quarantine period, regardless of test results. We will be notifying any system or community partners who may be affected.
The latest positive case follows four other positive cases at the Juvenile Services Division over the past ten days — including two employees and two youth cases. This brings the total number of cases to five. The Juvenile Services Division continues to take the health and safety of all youth and all staff at the division extremely seriously. We routinely offer youth in custody COVID-19 vaccines and provide information. Staff are also provided information on COVID-19, including symptoms and information on testing and other guidance.
Anyone who enters the Juvenile Services Division is required to wear a mask in compliance with County and statewide mandates. And staff continue to follow mask, distance and disinfection protocols.
“We are seeing yet another surge in cases throughout our community,” said Erika Preuitt, director of the Department of Community Justice.
“Increases in COVID-19 cases are occurring across the nation. Our role, protecting youth and families and anyone who comes into the Juvenile Services Division, remains our highest priority. This not only includes the physical health of youth and employees, but the mental health of those impacted.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began — over 18 months ago — the division has been working closely with Public Health COVID-19 experts and the Multnomah County Health Officer. The division has implemented quarantine and operational changes aimed at mitigating the spread of virus.
Multnomah County continues to follow guidelines set by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state and local health partners to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our facility.
The County’s COVID-19 website, has practical advice and information on testing and other guidance, or the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 website or the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19 website.