Out of 711 inmates tested for the COVID-19 virus at the Silverdale Detention Center in Chattanooga, 15 have tested positive for the virus but were showing no symptoms at the time of testing, according to CoreCivic - the private prison operator that manages the detention center.
Three of those inmates who tested positive were released from the detention center prior to receiving their results but have been notified, a news release sent Tuesday states. Out of 204 employees tested at the facility, no tests came back positive but 19 more staff members still need to be tested.
"The health and safety of the individuals entrusted to our care and our staff is the top priority for CoreCivic," said Dr. Keith Ivens, CoreCivic's chief medical officer, in the release. "This commitment is shared by our partners at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) and we have worked closely together with HCSO and state health officials to respond to this unprecedented situation appropriately, thoroughly and with care for the well-being of those entrusted to us and our communities."
The facility is currently conducting contact tracing for all staff and inmates.
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Prior to mass testing, no inmates at the detention center showed symptoms of COVID-19, which is consistent with other correctional systems that are reporting 96 percent of inmates who tested positive are asymptomatic, the release states. The rate of infection at Silverdale is about 2.5%.
"I want to reassure those who may have family or friends incarcerated in Silverdale that we are doing everything in our power to ensure their safety and well-being during this pandemic," said Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond in a statement.
Before this round of testing, one staff member at the facility had tested positive for COVID-19.ThE employee is self-isolating at home, officials said.