Eight inmates at James T. Vaughn recover from COVID-19

DOVER, Del. – On Friday, The Delaware Department of Correction announced that a total of 8 inmates have recovered from COVID-19.

We’re told the inmates are currently housed in a transitional housing unit in the JTVCC COVID-19 treatment center.

The DOC also announced that a Correctional Officer and a Probation Officer have fully recovered from COVID-19.

The DOC says these recoveries come as they continue an intensive two-week operation to combat COVID-19 within the two facilities where positive inmate COVID cases have occurred. This targeted operation is concentrated in buildings at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) and Sussex Community Corrections Center (SCCC) that have experienced COVID cases and includes:

• Twice daily inmate temperature checks for more than 1,750 inmates
• Distribution of face masks to all inmates at JTVCC and SCCC, bringing to more than 2,100 the number of inmates issued face masks across correctional facilities
• Expanded proactive inmate COVID testing
• Increased use of specialized cleaning, on top of the current twice-daily cleanings, utilizing a disinfecting machine that employs an airborne mist to sterilize entire rooms
• Voluntary COVID testing to all Officers at JTVCC and SCCC in recognition of the continued risk of infection from outside as community spread continues

Commissioner Claire DeMatteis said, “Currently, only 11 inmates who have tested positive have symptoms of COVID-19, with 22 asymptomatic inmates who have tested positive through our proactive measures displaying no symptoms of the virus….There is no evidence of COVID in 7 correctional facilities in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover or Georgetown. The few cases to date have been contained to the prison in Smyrna and a work release center in Georgetown. Inmates who have tested positive are all receiving excellent care in DOC’s COVID Treatment Center or at an area hospital.”