SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) – An employee at the Minnehaha County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) has tested positive for COVID-19.
JDC staff continue to be proactive by utilizing enhanced sanitization procedures implemented in early March to prevent potential transmission. Staff engage in thorough cleaning each day including wearing masks, frequent handwashing, wiping down frequently touched surfaces at multiple intervals each day, and deep cleaning at night. Staff and juveniles continue to be monitored for symptoms and have their temperatures taken twice each day.
“We treat juveniles housed at our facility like we would want our own children to be treated in the same situation. Rapid steps were taken to contact legal guardians following notification of the positive test. Recognizing that some guardians work varying shifts, appropriate time has elapsed to allow them to respond before releasing this information to the public. JDC takes juvenile and staff health very seriously. This is demonstrated by the robust cleaning procedures and other precautions implemented prior to a staff member experiencing symptoms,” said Juvenile Detention Center Director Jamie Gravett.
In early March restrictions were placed on visitors entering the facility to limit potential exposure to COVID- 19. Legal guardians of juveniles and staff were contacted at that time about the pro-active, protective measures being enacted.
Gravett added, “JDC and the staff member who tested positive are actively collaborating with relevant agencies in response to the positive test to provide all requested information in a timely manner. The well- being, health, and safety of juveniles and staff is and continues to be our number one priority. Juveniles continue to be provided the opportunity to communicate with family during these challenging days.”
(Minnehaha County contributed this report/news release.)
