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Seven inmates at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been transferred to Angola Prison where other offenders who contracted the virus are being housed, Sheriff Mike Tregre announced today.

Twenty-two inmates in close contact with the offenders with a COVID-19 diagnosis at the St. John Parish jail are nearing the end of a two-week quarantine, Sheriff Tregre said. No corrections officers have so far tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sheriff Tregre said the St. John Parish jail is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for inmates and corrections officers who had contact with any infected person as well as protocols for checking, testing and disinfecting the facility.

To mitigate the spread of the virus among the 133 inmates in the facility since mid-March, the jail enhanced its cleaning and disinfecting procedures and increased booking and screening measures for newly admitted inmates. The facility has suspended visitations. The trustee program has been suspended until further notice. Staff and inmates’ temperatures are taken daily.

With few exceptions, transfers of inmates from one prison to another have been suspended. Court appearances have been postponed. If warranted, appearances are done by video conferencing. Attorney visits also are limited to video conferencing.

“We are adhering to the guidance issued by the CDC,” Sheriff Tregre said. “All measures we have in place are necessary for the safety and protection of the health of inmates in our custody as well as our corrections staff.”