Multnomah County is closely following public health guidance to ensure the safety of everyone in corrections facilities. Corrections Health has notified the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office that a second Corrections Health employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Public health officials confirmed that the person had no contact with adults who are detained and that no additional action or contact tracing is needed at this time.
Corrections Health has directed increased cleaning of shared work areas, and recommended all employees wear face coverings in the workplace when closer than six feet apart.
Officials say the person worked in an area where employees follow Health Department recommendations to reduce risk of transmission, including frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, physical distancing and use of face covering. Additional details cannot be shared about the employee’s protected health information.
Health Department recommendations include asking employees to watch for symptoms, to stay home at the first sign of sickness and to call their provider if symptoms develop. All Corrections Health staff are advised to continue wearing face coverings when at work and to practice physical distancing as much as possible with coworkers.
"We are providing information to our employees within the constraints of individual privacy and confidentiality. As we all can be exposed through our work activities as well as our activities away from the workplace, we should continue to be careful, including continuing use of face coverings when at work, particularly if within six feet of another employee. We offer our best wishes for recovery to the involved employees and their families," said Dr. Michael Seale, Corrections Health Director.
To learn more about the preventative measures being taken by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, please visit their website: https://www.mcso.us/site/COVID_19.php. Multnomah County Health Department is also leading the public health response. See more at:/covid19.