NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A proactive testing initiative is planned to ensure the safety of staff and inmates of two Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) facilities.
The Department of Correction says the testing initiative is in partnership with the state Department of Health (TDH). Starting Friday, TDH will offer testing for COVID-19 to all employees at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville and the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville.
This follows positive COVID-19 test results of three staff members and three contract employees at the two facilities.
"I applaud Governor Lee for dedicating resources toward this effort," Commissioner Tony Parker said. "While no inmates at either facility have tested positive, we believe this proactive measure will go a long way in helping to protect staff members, their families and the inmate population. We are ahead of the curve, but make no mistake - just the fact that we're dealing with a new virus and there is no vaccine for it changes the whole landscape of corrections."
TDOC staff members at each facility are being made aware of the available testing, while TDH will notify each employee of their test results.
TDOC says disinfection and safety measures are ongoing at the facilities, and that all staff and inmates have received cloth masks.
