The Oregon Health Authority reported a workplace outbreak at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office last week. There have been 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday, including Sheriff Nate Sickler.
Sergeant Mike Moran says that the workspace has been following CDC safety guidelines for the entire pandemic.
“It is strongly enforced and encouraged to practice safe practices," says Moran. "It's not taken lightly, you know, we are really taking it seriously. And I know people are weary of being cautious, but within our agency I don’t think that’s the case.”
Moran maintains that no one being detained in the Jackson County jail has tested positive for COVID-19.
Studies done by The Marshall Project, a journalism nonprofit, have found that 1 of every 5 state and federal prisoners contract the virus. That’s more than four times higher than the general population.
Moran also says he doesn’t believe the Sheriff’s Office will be changing any safety procedures in the near future.
