BURGAW — A deputy assigned to the Pender County Jail has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now under home isolation.
Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler said supervisors and command staff are now working with the county’s health department to determine if any members of the office were in contact with the deputy. The deputy, who is now under a doctor’s care, had been assigned to an administrative desk at the county jail, according to a Tuesday afternoon release.
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“There is no evidence to indicate the deputy contracted the virus from working inside the Pender County Jail or from any offenders incarcerated within the jail,” Cutler said.
According to the county’s statement, no offenders have yet shown any symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
“The offenders were issued face masks prior to this positive case as per recommendations from the sheriff office’s contracted medical provider,” according to the release from the county, although it is unclear whether offenders and employees were were wearing the face masks.
The county said there are procedural directives in place to screen everyone entering the jail.
“The Pender County Jail staff has followed CDC guidelines regarding disinfecting work areas and social distancing, as well as provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees to assure a safe work environment,” according to the release.
