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8 inmates test positive for coronavirus at Durham County Detention Center

Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said all inmates and DCSO staff will now be tested for the virus.

Posted Updated
Durham County Detention Center; Durham jail
By
Sydney Franklin
, WRAL multiplatform producer
DURHAM, N.C. — Eight inmates at Durham County Detention Center have tested positive for coronavirus.

Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said all inmates and sheriff's office staff will now be tested for the virus.

"Per NC-DHHS, we will test everyone when there is one positive test in a congregate setting," said Birkhead.

The Durham County Health Department has started contract tracing, and any person exposed will be contacted.

Officials said the Durham County Trial Court Administrator/COVID-19 coordinator has been contacted and is working with court personnel to determine if there will be an impact on upcoming court proceedings.

The Durham County facility is not the only one in the area to have an outbreak.

On Monday afternoon, Johnston County confirmed an outbreak at its own detention center, with nine staff members testing positive. Eight of those nine staff members reside in Johnston County.

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