DE: Correctional Officer tests positive for COVID-19

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Correction announced Friday that an officer assigned to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center has tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials say the last time the correctional officer was at the center was March 27th. He began self-isolating at home on the 28th after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

On Sunday, March 29th, the officer was given a COVID-19 test and continued to self isolate. The positive COVID-19 test result was received on Friday, April 3rd.

This is the second COVID-19 diagnosis of a DOC staff member or contractor. On April 2nd, the DOC announced that a contract health care worker tested positive for COVID-19.

Commissioner Claire DeMatteis said, “We already undertake comprehensive daily cleaning in all of our facilities, and that will continue with renewed urgency. I want to emphasize that at this time there is no evidence of transmission within James T. Vaughn Correctional Center…In response to this diagnosis, we will carefully monitor all officers, other employees and inmates at the facility for any symptoms and will immediately isolate, assess and treat any individual who demonstrates any sign of illness.”

No inmate within Delaware’s correctional system has tested positive for COVID-19.