Crime & Safety
Middlesex Sheriff's Office: Middlesex Sheriff's Office Continues COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts
As cases across the country begin to increase once again, the Middlesex Sheriff's Office (MSO) is continuing to take proactive steps des ...
August 13, 2021 - 4:10pm
As cases across the country begin to increase once again, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is continuing to take proactive steps designed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, including the use of masks.
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These efforts have proven successful. Of 364 tests administered to incarcerated individuals since June 1, 361 have been negative. The 3 positive tests came from individuals who had just entered custody from their community and were caught by the MSO’s seven day testing protocol for new arrivals. All three individuals cleared COVID protocols fully recovered prior to entering general population.
“Since February of 2020, we have worked aggressively and around the clock to confront COVID-19 utilizing a medically-driven model,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Even while cases declined locally and nationally as we headed into the summer, we never wavered in our commitment to keep our staff, incarcerated population and visitors safe. We continued to offer vaccinations and educational information regarding vaccines, conduct strategic testing, and encourage people to follow the CDC recommended steps for preventing the spread of the virus. We know we must remain vigilant against this virus.”
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During that same timeframe, two MSO staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition to the extensive testing protocols employed by the MSO:
These measures are in addition to steps previously implemented at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction including:
“Our thoughtful, medically-driven model, combined with the outstanding work of our staff has put us in a strong position as we enter this new phase of the pandemic,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “But we know we are not a city on a hill and as cases tick up in the community, it’s critical we all maintain our high level of readiness.”
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This press release was produced by Middlesex Sheriff's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
