Coronavirus testing recommended for contacts of Adams County Jail inmates, staff

RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Department officials are recommending that people who came into close contact with staff or inmates from the Adams County Jail between Aug. 3 and Aug. 17 be tested for COVID-19.

Karen Potts, ACHD director, said Monday that close contact is defined as being within six feet of the person for more than 15 minutes. “We would always recommend, play it safe and be tested,” she said.

Health department officials issued a public notice Monday.

Six jail inmates and two jail staff members have tested positive for coronavirus. But Potts said some members of the jail staff have refused to take the coronavirus test. “We have had a very difficult time getting a handle on what’s going on,” Potts said.

“We are recommending testing for anybody with symptoms,” she said.

Health department officials are also recommending quarantine for people who think they may have been exposed to the coronavirus, she said. Quarantine would last for 14 days from the date of exposure.

The health department staff is also continuing contact tracing, Potts said.

Health department officials announced Aug. 11 that one jail employee had tested positive for coronavirus Aug. 6. Subsequent testing at the jail determined three inmates had coronavirus as of Aug. 11. Continued testing found three additional cases among inmates. A second jail employee tested positive on Aug. 7.

People who want more information can contact the health department, 509-659-3315 or 509-488-2031.