Five new coronavirus cases reported at California Men’s Colony

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Five more cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo County.

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department says they are working closely with the prison and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to reduce the spread of the deadly virus within the prison.

“We immediately sent a response team to CMC and are actively supporting their work to prevent a larger outbreak,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, San Luis Obispo County Health Officer. “We are committed to protecting the health of CMC inmates and staff.” 

The public health department and CMC staff are investigating the cases.

The California Department of Corrections released the following statement about what they are doing to keep inmates and employees safe:

California Men’s Colony officials and health care staff are working closely with the Public Health Department to conduct a contact investigation and CMC health care staff are regularly making rounds and conducting health screenings of all inmates to quickly identify anyone with new symptoms. CMC is following isolation and quarantine protocols for the incarcerated population. In addition, CMC has implemented physical-distancing measures, provided masks for inmates and staff, conducting verbal and temperature screenings whenever anyone enters the institution, and is providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer in dispenser stations in housing units, dining halls, work change areas, and other areas where sinks and soap are not immediately available.

California Department of Corrections statement

In total, nine people have tested positive for COVID-19 at CMC, including 8 inmates and one staff member. The first case was reported on April 11.