Tarrant County jail screening new inmates for coronavirus symptoms to prevent spread
Officials with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office started last week screening every new inmate who enters the jail for symptoms of coronavirus or COVID-19.
If there is a chance of a symptom, the inmate is given a complete vital check by John Peter Smith Hospital, chief of staff David McClelland said via email.
McClelland said employees have also “ramped up cleaning and disinfecting of our jail facilities” and are cleaning every area multiple times a day.
The jail has also increased the ability for inmates to wash their hands, he said.
McClelland said the jail has limited visitations.
“Visitations are mandated by jail standards for the entire state of Texas,” he said, explaining that limiting visitations has been a topic of discussion at the state-level.
