Officials Believe COVID-19 Contained at Cook County Jail; Sued Anyway




COVID-19 tests are now standard during the intake process for all new detainees entering the jail, one of several measures that officials said has helped them turn a critical corner on the pandemic. At its worst, over a two-month period, the deadly virus infected just over 700 inmates, including seven who died.

Two correctional officers have died, with hundreds also infected.

Dr. Connie Mennella, who oversees medical care at the jail, told the Tribune testing data indicates the facility has moved beyond the stage of flattening the curve and into containment, with a positive test rate that is below 10%.
The reported turnaround has been challenged by a group of civil rights attorneys who have alleged the opposite in a federal court filing, saying jail officials failed to adequately respond to protect those in custody as the crisis overtook the sprawling, Southwest Side complex.

The suit will likely play out over some time.

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