Maricopa County reports first case of coronavirus in jails

PHOENIX – Maricopa County on Friday announced the first positive case of coronavirus from an individual in custody.

The individual was arrested Sunday and complained of a cough and sore throat during the intake process, according to a press release from Maricopa County.

The person was placed in an isolation cell and given a mask.

From there, the individual was transferred to a medical observation unit and tested for COVID-19.

On Wednesday, the person was released from the jail while test results were still pending.

The next day, Maricopa County Correctional Health Services received a confirmation that the test was positive.

MCCHS said it is working with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to investigate and contact those who were exposed to the person.

As of Friday, 123 inmates have been tested in the Maricopa County jail system, according to the release.

State health officials reported 7,962 COVID-19 cases and 330 deaths as of Friday morning.

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