PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – An inmate who tested positive for coronavirus bonded out of the Putnam County jail Wednesday, authorities said Thursday.
In a statement, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the unnamed inmate was tested at some point before his arrest Tuesday because he had been in contact with a known coronavirus patient. His test results came back positive Wednesday.
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The inmate was ordered to self-quarantine at home following his release.
The statement said no deputies or inmates were exposed to the virus since arresting deputies wore protective gear and the inmate was placed in isolation.
“This was a perfect example of everything going right and according to procedures we have in place on the road and in jail,” Sheriff Homer “Gator” DeLoach said.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies were enforcing a stay-home order Tuesday for a coronavirus patient when they learned a man living at the home was wanted on a felony warrant. They donned protective equipment before making the arrest and told corrections staff of the circumstances prior to their arrival at the jail. The inmate was taken to a “reverse ventilation medical isolation cell,” where he received medical care until his release.
A second inmate who was booked into the Putnam County jail March 30 is being held in isolation until Sunday as a precautionary measure. That inmate also had contact with a known case of coronavirus but has tested negative for COVID-19.
“The health and safety of our members, the community and our inmates are our number one priorities as we navigate these difficult and uncertain times,” DeLoach said. “Our members are trained and equipped to handle any situation that arises from this national health crisis.”