Rockwall County Jail, Sheriff’s Office acquires COVID-19 testing ability

(ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX – May 13, 2020) The Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its whole-of-government approach in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

As published early on in our efforts combatting the spread of COVID-19, we identified various proactive measures that our personnel has vigorously implemented regarding mitigation and containment efforts from detention operations to enforcement operations.

Part of this strategy was acquiring testing capability in our detention center in which Captain Gray and Major Calkins sought out over a month ago. Ultimately the process begins with COVID-19 antibody testing, also known as presumptive testing, in conjunction with laboratory testing for personnel and prisoners identified as low to high risk. We are of a select few law enforcement agencies reported that have been able to acquire limited testing capability. To date, we have had zero (0) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our detention center, to include personnel.

National Sheriffs’ Association Past-President, Sheriff Harold Eavenson was the first to be tested using the COVID-19 lgG/lgm rapid test cassette (antibody test) on May 12 in our medical office located in the detention center. The Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office continues its proactive and dedicated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to provide periodic updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Texas Commission on Jail Standards
National Sheriffs’ Association
Texas Jail Association
American Jail Association
CorrectionsOne

Submitted press release by Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.

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