NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Seven inmates living in one housing area at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center have tested positive for COVID-19.
"We have seven confirmed cases which are all asymptomatic, not symptomatic," said Deputy Chief Chris Fly, who serves as jail administrator with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.
All of the positive-testing inmates are being housed separately from the other inmates, and are in a medical area where they are being treated by the detention center's medical director, Dr. Dan Rudd.
Tests will be provided for all inmates. Extra sanitation precautions have also been taken. Masks are available for inmtaes.
"Dr. Rudd has provided guidance for successful testing," Fly said. "We are listening to our medical staff and taking an aggressive approach to contain and respond to the needs of the inmates."
Movement within housing areas is being limited until there are clear results for the tests.
Two of the inmates who tested positive were trusties, and worked in the jail kitchen.
Fly said they will most likely switch to performing COVID-19 tests on all new inmates.
No staff members of the detention center have tested positive. Detention deputies are wearing personal protective equipment when they enter the medical housing area.
