From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced a partnership with the Jefferson County Health Department to provide COVID-19 testing for inmates in the jail.
NaphCare began testing inmates on Friday, June 12, 2020. Inmates can opt-out of the testing but the sheriff’s office said the goal is to identify anyone who might have the virus so they can be separated from the general population.
“We have taken extraordinary measures to protect the jail environment from the spread of COVID 19 including screening all new incoming inmates before they enter the jail,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “All Deputies and unsworn personnel will also be tested for COVID 19.”
Inmates will also have the option to receive a vaccination for the prevention of Hepatitis A.
