Anchorage Correctional Complex inmate tests positive for COVID-19

(WBKO)
Published: May. 19, 2020 at 1:14 PM AKDT
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The Department of Corrections just announced an inmate at the Anchorage Correctional Complex has tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the second case of an inmate testing positive for the coronavirus in DOC custody.

Last month, it was announced an inmate at

for COVID-19.

DOC was notified of the most recent positive case Tuesday morning.

According to a press release, "DOC is working with the State Section of Epidemiology and public health officials to begin the contact investigation. The department continues to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of all staff and inmates and implement the Response Plan, which has assisted in mitigating and containing the spread of the virus within our institutions."

It's still unclear exactly where the inmate was housed and for how long before the test was administered. The DOC has yet to determine whether additional testing will be administered at the ACC in response to the new case.

Meanwhile, at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau 11 employes have tested positive, including five household members of those officers. Alaska's Chief Medical Office, Anne Zink, has designated those 16 cases as a result of contact with the community, as none of over 150 tests on inmates at Lemon Creek have come back positive so far.

DOC Commissioner Nancy Dahlstrom told KTUU on Tuesday that the state hopes to received results for a final batch of inmate tests at Lemon Creek by the end of the day.

KTUU also reached out to Members of the state's prison workers union, the Alaska Correctional Officers Association about the cluster of cases in Juneau, and the new positive case in Anchorage. ACOA Leadership said that the union's officers are convicted to keeping themselves and inmates safe -- by adhering to all state mandated guidelines while upholding their duties, during the pandemic.

This story is developing. Check back for details.

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