PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. — Multiple cases of COVID-19 have been reported at the Peoria County Jail.
Sheriff Brian Asbell says a total of 8 individuals incarcerated at the Peoria County Jail are confirmed to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
“We have an additional 13 employees that have either tested positive, or are off due to exposure protocols,” Asbell said.
Two inmates that tested positive for the virus have been released. One was a sentenced offender completing a local sentence and will need to return at a later date to complete sentence requirement the other was released prior to receiving test results.
Two of the positive detainees are sentenced to IDOC however remain in custody due to the State suspension on IDOC admissions.
Asbell says all positive cases have been in custody more than fourteen days.
The Peoria County Jail is currently on lockdown due to the outbreak.
“We are testing all individuals inside the facility. But, this is a highly complex situation, compounded by not having the appropriate amount of staff,” Asbell said.
Asbell said the jail is operating with about 40% of its workforce due to the outbreak and layoffs due to recent budget cuts.
Officials are working with the Peoria City/County Health Department and inmate healthcare staff to manage those infected and determine the scope of exposure.
