NorCo Jail is Covid-19 Free

For the first time since March 31, NorCo's jail appears to be Covid-19 free. No inmates or staffers currently show any symptoms. While this is certainly good news, it is no cause for celebration. According the CDC, 35% of those infected show no symptoms, but are still contagious. As a result, it has recently changed its testing guidance in "settings that house vulnerable populations in close quarters for extended periods of time (e.g., long-term care facilities, correctional and detention facilities) and/or settings where critical infrastructure workers (e.g., healthcare personnel, first responders) may be disproportionately affected."

Previously, tests were only administered at the jail to persons showing symptoms. The guidance update recommends the following:

- Initial testing of everyone residing and/or working in the setting,
- Regular (e.g., weekly) testing of everyone residing and/or working in the setting, and
- Testing of new entrants into the setting and/or those re-entering after a prolonged absence (e.g., one or more days)

Executive Lamont McClure stated that he has adhered to all recommendations made by PrimeCare, the jail's medical provider. PrimeCare recommended the visitor and volunteer ban as well as the move of inmates from West Easton. It also recommended temperature screening several times a day and quarantines. He also credited corrections officers who understood the importance of wearing a mask and have excelled in this crisis, even saving the life of a despondent inmate.

McClure said he is waiting for a universal testing plan from PrimeCare, and will ask for one if he receives no recommendation. He added PrimeCare is already performing targeted and random tests on asymptomatic people.

Universal testing would also apply at Gracedale, the county's nursing home. The state Department of Health is expected to begin that process in July.

To protect the health of inmates and employees, volunteers, visitors and tours were banned from the jail on March 10th. Inmates may still contact their loved ones via phone, tablets or mail.

There are currently 469 inmates in residence at NCP. Forty-nine non-violent inmates have been granted extended furloughs.

Northampton County encourages everyone to continue to practice social distancing, to wear a mask when they are out in the community and to get tested for Covid-19 if they have symptoms.

The Northampton County sponsored Covid-19 drive-thru testing site at Easton Hospital will remain open until June 26th. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 10:00AM – 4:00PM. The Coronavirus testing site is located in the main parking lot at Easton Hospital, 250 S 21st Street, Easton, PA 18042. The risk of viral transmission at a drive-thru site is much lower than at a walk-in clinic.