BENTONVILLE, Ark. — All inmates and employees at the Benton County Jail are being tested by the Arkansas Department of Health for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after a positive case was discovered over the weekend.
"Over the last few months, inmates and deputies have been tested for COVID-19, with the results returning as negative. This weekend a positive test for COVID-19 was identified at the Benton County Jail. Those that have returned positive have been all asymptomatic," Lt. Shannon Jenkins said in a press release.
Jenkins said that as of now, one inmate and one jail employee have tested positive for the virus.
Before entering the jail, each detainee will be screened for COVID-19. Any person with symptoms will be evaluated by medical staff and isolated if necessary, Jenkins said.
All inmates will have their temperatures taken twice daily and all inmates have access to medical attention. Inmates that the medical staff has determined meet the criteria for testing will be tested, Jenkins said.
Nathan Smith, the Benton County prosecuting attorney, told 5NEWS Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway will appear in court at the end of June after some people arrested on outstanding warrants were turned away by the jail due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Smith said the jail is now returning to normal book-in procedures and is honoring arrests of those with active warrants.