Cobb jail under strict COVID-19 protocol after 51 inmates, staff test positive

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Cobb County jail is now under strict COVID-19 protocols after 51 inmates and staff tested positive for the virus last week.

The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office said that most cases were asymptomatic, but safety protocols will be put back into place.

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Those include testing new inmates during booking, quarantining new inmates in a separate pod for 14 days, testing anyone exhibiting symptoms and isolating them and making masks mandatory, regardless of vaccination status.

Inmates also may request a COVID-19 test at any time.

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“The data is clear; the Delta variant is especially dangerous for the unvaccinated,” said Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr. “I urge our employees and all detainees to take advantage of the free, safe COVID-19 vaccine for their safety and the safety of the general public.”

The Sheriff’s Office has already vaccinated more than 475detainees and continues to work with the county judges to vaccinate those with upcoming court trials.

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“Unfortunately, misinformation has resulted in vaccine hesitancy within the Adult Detention Center,” the sheriff said. “We are organizing a vaccine education clinic with outside professionals to address detainees’ concerns and encourage full participation in our next vaccine clinic.”

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