March 25, 2020
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Decatur, GA – Today, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was notified that a staff member at the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County has tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 within a DJJ facility, and at this time, no other youth or member of the workforce population has shown symptoms of the virus,” said DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “We will continue to follow all CDC and Georgia DPH guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the health of our population.”
The employee, who last reported to work on Monday, March 16, had a non-contact role with the youth population. Due to the HIPAA privacy act, the identity of the staffer cannot be disclosed. The employee is currently being treated at a metro Atlanta hospital.
Three Metro RYDC employees who worked closely with the staffers were notified and have self-quarantined. These employees currently exhibit no signs or symptoms of the virus. DJJ has cleaned and disinfected the areas where the employees worked.
Since early March, DJJ has incorporated rigorous measures to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 infection in all its facilities. Steps taken include screenings of all correctional officers, visitors, and other staff. DJJ has also implemented an aggressive and extensive cleaning schedule that disinfects all areas within the facilities.
For additional updates and information follow DJJ online at www.djj.state.ga.us.
