Maricopa County jails taking steps to prevent spread of coronavirus

PHOENIX — The agency providing health services for inmates in Maricopa County jails explains the steps it’s taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Those steps include additional screening for inmates at the time of intake to determine if they have a fever, respiratory infection, recent travel history, or contact with someone who’s known to be infected with the disease.

“Anyone who meets clinical or exposure criteria for a COVID-19 test will be administered that test and put in medical observation,” Dr. Grant Phillips, medical director for the Maricopa County Correctional Health Services, said during a press conference Monday.

As of Friday, no inmates in Maricopa County jails have tested positive for the coronavirus. Of the 28 inmates who had been tested, 21 returned as negative and seven are currently in medical observation while results are pending.

In the event an inmate tests positive for the coronavirus, they will be rapidly triaged and taken to a medical facility if necessary, Phillips said. Inmates who came in contact with them will be placed in quarantine and monitored for symptoms.

He added staff is also being monitored daily for fever and other symptoms of the coronavirus. They are sent home if symptoms develop.

“We understand that for those with family members and loved ones in our facilities, this is a difficult and scary time,” Phillips said. “However, we are committed to providing high-quality, professional medical services to your loved ones, and we will use every resource at our disposal to protect those in our care.”

He added his agency is appreciative of steps taken by the courts and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to reduce the number of individuals going in and out of the jail facilities every day.

“This has greatly reduced the risk to those living and working in those facilities,” he said.

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