State inspects county jail, says it’s meeting protocols for Covid-19

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2020 at 8:45 am

ALBION – Inspectors from the New York State Commission of Correction Inspectors visited the Orleans County jail recently and concluded the site has the needed protocols in place to protect against the spread of Covid-19.

The jail has recently had an outbreak with 13 corrections officers and three inmates testing positive.

Commission of Correction staff reviewed the jail’s protocols for screening of employees, incarcerated individuals and anyone entering the facility. They also said signage throughout the facility, disinfecting procedures and the utilization of face coverings are consistent with the guidance provided by the Commission, the New York State Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control.

Allen Riley, Chairman of the Commission, sent a letter on Dec. 9 to Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, informing him of the results of the visit.

“As you are aware, detention facilities are at a greater risk for the spread of COVID-19 due to the close proximity of the individuals who reside and work in these facilities,” Riley wrote in the letter. “As such, a facility must take all available precautions to minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, while simultaneously maintaining a secure facility.”

Bourke said the jail staff have stepped up their efforts to keep the facility clean and fight off Covid.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication by Superintendent Scott Wilson, the Jail Command Staff, Correction Officers, Cooks and nursing staff during these unprecedented times,” Bourke said.