COVID outbreak — Oconee jail

Confirmation has been received this morning of an outbreak of COVID-19 affecting around 20 inmates and jail guards.  “We certainly hope it has peaked,” said Sheriff Mike Crenshaw about the outbreak that began two weeks ago.  As precaution, three jail guards have been sent home and isolation measures have been taken to protect the jail population.  Crenshaw told 101.7/WGOG NEWS some of the infected have symptoms, others do not.  South Carolina DHEC is testing to determine if any of the cases were caused by the Delta variant of the virus.  Jeremy Chapman, jail director, is working with the jail nurse and the Southern Health Partners, the company contracted to provide medical care in the facility.