MONTGOMERY, Ala. -The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) was informed via self-reporting that three (3) staff members employed at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama, have tested positive for COVID-19. These three (3) individuals promptly self-quarantined under the direction of their healthcare providers.
The ADOC’s Office of Health Services (OHS) has initiated an investigation to determine which, if any, ADOC inmates or employees may have had direct, prolonged exposure to these staff members. Upon completing the appropriate follow-up interviews and due diligence, OHS will advise any exposed staff members to contact their healthcare providers and self-quarantine for the recommended 14-day period, or as advised by their healthcare providers.
Forty-five (45) COVID-19 cases among ADOC staff and contracted staff remain active. Sixteen (16) staff members who previously self-reported a positive test have been cleared by medical providers to return to work.
The ADOC also has confirmed that one (1) inmate at St. Clair Correctional Facility (St. Clair) has tested positive for COVID-19. The inmate was admitted to the hospital for a preexisting condition, non COVID-19 related, earlier in the month and tested negative for COVID-19. Subsequently, the inmate was hospitalized a second time within a short period and tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital. He remains under the care of the local hospital.
Upon completing our consultation with the State Medical Director at the ADOC’s contracted health services provider, the decision was made to place the small living area within St. Clair’s infirmary in which this inmate was housed on level-two quarantine. Inmates on level-two quarantine are restricted to their designated housing area for all activities including meals, and additional precautions and measures will be taken in accordance with CDC guidelines for COVID-19. The entire St. Clair infirmary, except for the aforementioned small living area, has been placed on level-one quarantine.
Twelve (12) total cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among our inmate population, three (3) of which remain active.
In recognition of the state holiday, the ADOC Central Office will be closed on Monday, June 1. The next update to ADOC’s online COVID-19 testing charts will occur on Tuesday, June 2, and reflect data collected from Friday, May 29 – Monday, June 1.
