NEW ORLEANS - 03-26-2020

Following is a joint statement from Sheriff Marlin Gusman and Compliance Director Darnley R. Hodge regarding ongoing health monitoring of inmates and OPSO staff and contractors, as well as established precautions at the Orleans Justice Center related COVID-19 prevention and treatment:

TODAY'S UPDATE:

"Regarding OPSO staff, a total of 24 staffers have been tested. Five have tested positive, two have tested negative, and 17 are awaiting their results. Nine employees have self-quarantined because they came in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-I9. There has been no change to the Wellpath staff since the last update.

"Currently, OPSO has 7 inmates in isolation. All inmates have been tested either through University Medical Center (UMC) or Wellpath. We are awaiting the results of their tests.

"Our current inmate population in OJC is 821, and the population at the Temporary Detention Center (TDC) is 45."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

"The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has a plan in place for illnesses such as pandemic flu, which has been modified to better fit the recommended COVID-19 response procedures. We are in regular communication with the New Orleans Department of Health, the Louisiana Office of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure that we are taking the necessary steps to protect the public, our staff and our inmates and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Following is a summary of the prevention and treatment measures that are in force at all OPSO facilities:

• Our medical department, Wellpath, has developed a coronavirus screening process for all new arrestees, current inmates and anyone who enters our facilities. This screening includes temperature screenings with the latest technology and several targeted questions surrounding their activities and interactions over the past 14 days.
• In addition to daily temperature screening, all inmates and OPSO staff undergo pulse oximeter checks daily.
• At this time, all non-essential visits to OPSO facilities are suspended.
• Attorney-client visits and inmates' first appearances have shifted to video conferencing only.
• In keeping with normal routine, we are dispensing soap and other toiletries to inmates free of charge and staff is directing inmates to wash their hands frequently. The OPSO is also working to ensure that it is equipped with enough supplies to combat COVID-19 on a prolonged basis.
• Accommodations have also been made to quarantine any affected individuals in segregated cells. This protocol includes inmates that are being treated for non-COVID-19 health issues and according to the direction of the OPSO medical staff.
• OPSO staff is vigorously cleaning the facilities and hand sanitation stations have also been installed throughout the Orleans Justice Center.

All OPSO employees and contractors have been notified of this plan, advised on ways to avoid exposure to the virus, encouraged to practice social distancing and urged to notify their supervisors and stay home if they are feeling ill. Specifically, the OPSO has implemented the following procedures for OPSO staff:

• All OPSO employees are to remain in or on their assigned areas or posts. OPSO staff are prohibited from visiting areas other than their designated posts.
• At the OPSO entry screening point and before they enter the Orleans Justice Center, OPSO employees and contract personnel must self-report any contact they have had with an individual who has a presumptive positive or positive test for COVID-19.
• All OPSO staff who call off-duty for potential COVID-19 symptoms for themselves or a family member are required to submit a medical clearance prior to reporting to their assigned post.

As an educational tool for inmates and staff, OPSO has produced a series of videos that is airing on televisions across the facilities. The videos focus on the severity of the outbreak and address how to identify signs and symptoms, ways to prevent the spread and employee protocol surrounding COVID-19.

We have established protocol to test individuals for the virus and report cases to the CDC and Department of Health immediately. We also have detailed instructions and procedures for treating that individual or, if necessary, properly transporting that person to a designated medical facility."

NEW ORLEANS - 03-19-2020

Following is a statement from Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman regarding efforts by the Sheriff's Office to combat COVID-19:

Inmate Releases

"On March 17, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office implemented its release plan; similar to the one the agency utilizes as a tropical storm or hurricane approaches Louisiana.

"The Sheriff's Office, has released 23 inmates who were being detained on minor charges. We also have another 16 individuals in custody on municipal offenses, that includes a domestic violence charge, and thus, are not eligible for release, pending further court action.

"We have no individuals in custody on traffic offenses. Our staff is reviewing a list of all state-law misdemeanors in custody and is individually contacting those respective judges.

Read more: SHERIFF GUSMAN ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT INMATE RELEASES, OTHER MATTERS AS PART OF OPSO’S PROACTIVE STEPS TO COMBAT COVID-19