Crisp County Sheriff addresses detention center COVID-19 cases: ‘We’re going to be transparent’

CORDELE, Ga. – The Crisp County Detention center is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak. So far 10 inmates have tested positive for the novel virus but Sheriff Billy Hancock tells South Georgia TV that he’s doing everything he can to provide health care and slow the spread.

“We’re not exactly sure how it was introduced into the environment of the detention center but we’ve quarantined that group in a special section of the jail, our medical team sees them as needed, every day if need be,” says Hancock.

Hancock says The Sheriff’s Office is working with local health officials to not only help contact trace but to help ensure adequate care is given.

“We’re going to make sure that we do everything we should do and everything we could possibly do to keep the safety of the inmates foremost.”

The detention center went seven months without a trace of the virus, Hancock says the extensive precautions, like temperature checks, hand washing stations and mask requirements were able to keep the virus at bay.

“We’ve relaxed some of that as far as the outside tents but we’ve always, ever since the beginning of it, did a questionnaire, temperature check, and isolation and quarantine for people coming inside this facility.”

Moving forward, recreation and in-person visitation are suspended until further notice. Hancock says the Sheriff’s Office will be as transparent as possible by posting weekly updates on the COVID-19 situation.

“I encourage the moms and dads that are out there, the brother,s the sisters that have somebody here: if you don’t think you’re getting the right information then call the office, we’re going to tell you exactly what’s going on. We’re going to be transparent and we’re going to take care of your loved one.”