SC prisons, mental health facilities prepare for possible coronavirus cases
As cases of COVID-19 pop up across South Carolina, state agencies that care for residents across the state have prepared for possible outbreaks in their own facilities.
The state departments of Corrections, Juvenile Justice and Mental Health have been working with health officials to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus should it become a threat.
The Department of Corrections, which has been battling outbreaks of the flu in its facilities since late last year, is extending the same precautions the agency is using to prevent the spread of flu in impacted facilities to Corrections facilities statewide,department spokeswoman Chrysti Shain said. Prison officials have offered inmates flu shots, given dorms and other frequently used areas extra cleanings and made sure that inmates, visitors and staff have access to hand sanitizer.
Department officials are also encouraging visitors to stay home if they are sick, Shain said. If necessary, the department has created a plan to screen visitors, volunteers and staff for potential cases COVID-19, which would include asking about their travel history and whether they have had symptoms of the virus in the last seven days.
In addition, Corrections is screening new inmates and prisoners who go on sick call for coronavirus symptoms, Shain said. The Department has its own testing kits and has developed a quarantine plan if an inmate’s test shows up positive.
“SCDC has an emergency pandemic plan and we train for it every year,” Shain said. “As always, the health and safety of our staff, inmates and the public are our highest concern.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Officials at the Department of Juvenile Justice have continued to assess any children with fever and flu-like symptoms, which is already part of the agency’s policy. If the child could have the flu or any other viral infection, they are isolated in Juvenile Justice’s medical infirmary, department spokesman Jarid Munsch said.
Medical staff at the department are stocked up on masks, gowns and other equipment that could help protect from the coronavirus, and department officials have worked with its suppliers to make sure they are prepared for a possible outbreak, Munsch said.
Officials have also emphasized that staff and youth should wash their hands and sterilize hard surfaces in the facility.
Department of Mental Health officials have advised patients that visit their outpatient facilities not to come in if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory viruses, department spokeswoman Tracy LaPointe said. The department is still ensuring, though, that patients receive any psychiatric medication they are prescribed.
For their state-run facilities, department officials have established a “COVID-19 Task Force” aimed at considering new recommendations from health officials, gauging whether facilities need more protective equipment, assessing the need for more hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, and taking a look at any other need for patient care supplies.
Do you have questions about the coronavirus? The State will get the answers for you. Go to bit.ly/SCvirus and let us know what you need to know.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 11:02 AM.
