March 29, 2024
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BREAKING: 13 more Kendall County Jail inmates, four staffers test positive for COVID-19

This article was updated at 4:54 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30.

An outbreak of COVID-19 has infected 13 more inmates and four staff members at the Kendall County Jail, the County Sheriff's Office confirmed in an updated statement issued Monday evening, Nov. 30.

The outbreak began when eight inmates, all housed in the same unit of the jail at 1102 Cornell Lane, tested positive for the virus on Nov. 25.

Five days later, the outbreak has spread, causing one infected inmate to be hospitalized for "precautionary measures." Authorities have not confirmed any new cases in the previous two days, according to the Sheriff's Office.

A professional sanitization company cleaned the jail on Nov. 28, and the Sheriff's Office said it is following CDC and IDPH guidelines to prevent further spread.

The Sheriff's Office's original statement reads, "Eight inmates from one housing unit were experiencing flu-like symptoms and were subsequently tested for COVID-19. The eight were immediately isolated and are being given medical attention in the jail. The remaining two inmates in that housing unit that tested negative have been quarantined and are being monitored for symptoms."

In both statements, the sheriff's office said it is working with the Kendall County Health Department to ensure that all appropriate measures are taking place to prevent further spread and protect the well being of inmates and staff.

County Sheriff Dwight Baird said in the statement, “The Sheriff’s Office staff and all others entering the jail have been mandated to use personal protective equipment while in the jail since April 1 and all work stations are cleaned and sanitized three times a day. We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines and ensure the Kendall County Health Department guidelines are followed to maintain a safe and healthy jail environment."

John Etheredge

John Etheredge

Editor of the Record Newspapers and KendallCountyNow.com, John's career as a journalist in Kendall County began in 1981. Over the years his news beats have included county government, municipal government, school boards, police and more. He also writes editorials on local issues and the weekly Kendall County Government Newsletter.