2 Vt. corrections staffers test positive for COVID-19

NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont Department of Corrections says two staff members at the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

The first staff member was last in the facility on Aug. 17 and tested positive on Aug. 18. One staff close contact was identified and that individual is quarantined.

The second staff member was last in the facility on Aug. 21 and tested positive through a rapid test the same day. Eight staff close contacts were identified. Five are now out on quarantine.

Contact tracing was initiated twice upon receipt of the positive results. The facility was also placed on full lockdown both times and has returned to modified operations due to contact tracing showing zero close contacts in the incarcerated population.

All NSCF staffers who are not quarantined will be tested on Aug. 24.

Incarcerated individuals were last tested on Aug. 18. All results were returned negative. There are currently no Vermont inmates that have tested positive for COVID-19.

Families and friends of incarcerated individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Vermont DOC Office of Constituency Services with questions.

Three other corrections staff members from different facilities tested positive earlier this month.

Copyright 2021 WCAX. All rights reserved.