Sherrif's office hit with COVID-19

RITZVILLE – Adams County Sheriff’s Department announced a correctional staff member, a staff member outside of the facility and three inmates of the Adams County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Undersheriff Adolfo Coronado, the correctional staff member tested positive Aug. 6, and after alerting command personnel immediately, went home to isolate. The following day, Aug. 7, the Adams County Health Department conducted further testing of individuals at the Adams County Jail. Test results Monday, Aug. 10, showed three inmates testing positive.

Additional test results for two staff members in the jail and Dispatch showed negative results.

Karen Potts, Community Health Director with Adams County Health Department, reported Monday, August 17, that additional testing among inmates found three more positive cases. Potts said the health department is recommending anyone who may have had contact with jail staff or inmates within the last 14 days be tested. Potts said the easiest way to get tested is through East Adams Rural Healthcare drive-through testing program available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Coronado reported the two staff members who tested positive were isolating at home.

“The Sheriff’s Office is working with Adams County Health Officials to best handle the situation,” Undersheriff Coronado said. “At this time, all precautions and safety measures are being taken per guidelines for the facility.”

According to Adams County Health Department, as of Friday, August 14, there were 19 new cases in Adams County; 14 in Othello, one in Hatton and four in Ritzville.