SLO County Sheriff reports 15 more inmates test positive for COVID-19

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. -- The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office reported that 15 additional inmates tested positive for COVID-19 Monday afternoon.

The outbreak was believed to have begun on Dec. 12.

An outbreak is defined by California Public Health as three or more cases that are believed to be linked.

The sheriff's office said all individuals infected have been isolated, and the affected housing units have been quarantined.

The fifteen new cases were discovered after over 100 asymptomatic inmates were tested in response to the outbreak.

The sheriff's office is continuing to work with County Public Health to manage this outbreak.

Regular COVID testing of staff and inmates will continue until the outbreak is over.

In total, twenty inmates' positive COVID-19 cases are believed to be linked to the outbreak.

The sheriff's office said two additional inmates, unrelated to this outbreak, have also tested positive and one additional Correctional Deputy.

This brings the total number of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 34.

A total of 21 Sheriff's Deputies have tested positive for the virus as well including eight Patrol Deputies and 13 Correctional Deputies.