COVID-19 Outbreak At Cuyahoga County Corrections Center

CLEVELAND — As a COVID-19 spike spreads through the Cuyahoga County Corrections Center staff and inmates, two state agencies have announced plans to provide temporary assistance to the facility.

At least 147 inmates and 56 staff at the facility have recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to a letter sent to Gov. Mike DeWine's office.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and the Ohio Military Reserve will both provide staff to the corrections center, DeWine announced Thursday.

“I am pleased that the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Ohio Military Reserve will be able to help alleviate some of the challenges and help the jail to continue to provide a safe environment for both staff and those who are housed at the facility,” DeWine said in a statement.

Both the ODRC and the Reserve will provide assistance for at least 30 days. The Ohio Military Reserve will send 25 members to the facility. The ODRC will provide technical help and offer overtime to their staff if they wish to volunteer at Cuyahoga County Correctional Center.

What Will The Outside Help Do?

• Provide COVID-19 guidance and rigorously implement the policies.
• Review staff posts for immediate need. Nonessential staff positions will be temporarily closed.
• Expedite on-boarding of new staff.
• Reduce in-person visiting to only include attorney visits and other necessary visits.

"Cuyahoga County officials must work collaboratively with court and probation personnel to discuss the violation process for those individuals who are on court-ordered supervision as well as open warrants. Priority should be placed on those individuals who are a threat to public safety," DeWine's office said.