ST. THOMAS — Six detainees at the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex on St. Thomas (CJC) tested positive for Covid-19 Monday evening, the Bureau of Corrections made known Tuesday afternoon. The positive tests led B.O.C. to lockdown the facility as it performs "continuous disinfectant and cleaning."
Additionally, inmate movement has been restricted within the facility, and all visits by vendors and all inmate transfers have been suspended until further notice.
The bureau said it began testing detainees Monday night after one complained of mild, flu-like symptoms. Thus far, the positive Covid-19 tests have come only from detainees housed in the same unit, B.O.C. said. There were 76 inmates/detainees at CJC as of Tuesday, according to B.O.C.
Several hours after the six positive infections were identified, the V.I. Police Department arrested another person who tested positive for Covid-19 positive before being turned over to B.O.C.’s custody, the bureau said. "None of the seven detainees who are Covid-19 positive have required hospitalization," said B.O.C. "All are being monitored closely by the CJC nursing staff under the supervision of Dr. Linda Callwood, B.O.C.’s medical director."
The bureau said that out of an abundance of caution and pursuant to CDC guidelines, it also started testing inmates in other housing units. "All inmates/detainees tested in different housing units have so far been negative for Covid-19," stated the release. "All staff at CJC who have been tested have also tested negative for Covid-19 thus far."
The bureau said it has been working with the V.I. Department of Health to test all inmates and detainees weekly until the St. Thomas prison facility is declared Covid-19 free. Additionally, the bureau said it has an adequate number of personal protective equipment on hand for its staff, and has collaborated with D.O.H. to supply enough test kits to conduct weekly testing of all inmates, detainees, and staff.
B.O.C. said in-person visits, work details, and prisoner furloughs remain suspended as they have been since the start of the pandemic. Court hearings held virtually remain unaffected. Attorneys may visit with prisoners via secure video conference by contacting the facility to schedule a video visit.
On July 30, 2021, BOC ordered mandatory Covid-19 testing for all staff who have not taken the Covid-19 vaccine.
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