1/23/2022
Back on January 11th, 2022, in an interview with Howard Packowitz of WEEK, Sheriff Jon Sandage said there were less than ten positive COVID-19 cases among inmates at the McLean County Jail.
Yet, records requests from the Sheriff’s office paint a very different picture. According to the latest data, the Jail Medical staff is reporting that as of the 12th–one day after the Sandage interview–79 inmates were positive with COVID-19. (To reiterate, this is information is provided by the Sheriff’s office per a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request). The Sheriff’s office has not responded to requests for clarification on this dramatic discrepancy.
The new omicron variant is considerably more contagious while being also generally having less severe symptoms. Individuals with the omicron variant are more likely to be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms than previous COVID-19 variants. As of January 12th, the population was 208. 67 ( 32.2%) are age 17-30 and 68 (32.7%) are 31-40. Even if unvaccinated, most are likely to be asymptomatic. Jail Medical Staff member Suzanne Scott reported to the January 3rd, 2022 McLean County Health Committee meeting that most inmates who tested positive were surprised and didn’t exhibit symptoms.
The jail reported its first COVID-19 cases in August of 2020. From then to November 2021, only eight inmates tested positive for COVID-19. In contrast, during this same period, 21 staff members had contracted the disease. Sometime in late November of 2021, one additional inmate tested positive but was not positive as of November 30th, 2021.
As of January 12th, 2022, a total of 94 inmates and 39 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. 90.4% of all inmate cases are from the last two months.
Because of omicron’s unique qualities, it isn’t a surprise that COVID numbers would surge even in a jail that has had almost no cases till now. Obviously, everyone would prefer if the COVID numbers were as low as the Sheriff claims; and, if they are, why would he tell one journalist that but his office tells a different journalist something wildly different? If the numbers are as low as alleged, why would his office respond to lawful requests for information with phony numbers saying the exact opposite?
Regardless, if supply is available, the McLean County Board should invest in rapid COVID tests for the safety of all their workers in every department. As COVID becomes increasingly endemic,1 it only makes sense that all county workers should have access to a rapid-test if they are concerned they may be infected. All jail staff should test daily and all inmates booked into the jail should receive a test even if asymptomatic.
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