LASALLE
CORRECTIONS
Rolling Plains Regional Jail and Detention Center
March 30, 2020
Sheriff Stephens and Judge Thompson
LaSalle Corrections implemented our Pandemic contingency plan in response to COVID-19, that includes screening, testing, appropriate treatment, prevention, education, and infection control measures. There has been no significant disruption to the orderly operation of facilities and no cases of COVID-19 have been identified among the inmate population.
LaSalle Corrections has long formulated these strategies and plans for responding to a pandemic. Our strategic planning ensures for continuity of operations and a sustainable health care delivery system within facility settings. Emergency services and advanced medical care is included in pandemic planning. Adequate levels of custody and healthcare staffing are maintained to ensure safe operation of the facilities. We continue focus on operational and communications planning, reinforcing hygiene practices, intensifying cleaning and disinfection of facilities, and monitoring for potential cases.
LaSalle Corrections is also working closely with the Texas Jail Commission and other federal, state, and local agencies to facilitate and refine our pandemic planning and response in confronting COVID-
19. Immigration Custom Service (ICE) is sending detainees we are receiving are not symptomatic. We are merely holding them for 14 days to ensure of any medical issues.
The responsibility to protect those in our custody is paramount and LaSalle Corrections is firmly committed to the health and welfare of our detained population.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviras/2019-ncov/community/correction-detention/guidance-correctionaldetention.html
Sincerely,
Judith Bennett, Warden
Jail Administrator
Rolling Plains Detentions Center
LaSalle Corrections
LASALLE
CORRECT10NS
Rolling Plains Regional Jail and Detention Center
ONE ROLLING PLAINS DETENTION OFFICER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
The Rolling Plains Detention Facility in Haskell, Texas reported today one of its employees have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The facility has implemented measures to prevent the spread of the virus and no other employees or inmates are experiencing symptoms at this time.
"We began preparing in January for the possibility an employee or inmate would test positive for COVID-19," said Dr. Pamela Hearn, Medical Director for LaSalle Corrections, which operates the facility. "The safety of our employees and inmates in our care is our top priority during this time."
The impacted employee notified her supervisor on April 2nd after expressing she was not feeling well. She later sought medical attention and was tested for the virus. Employees who had contact with the impacted employee have also been sent home to self-isolate for 14 days and 126 detainees are quarantined as a precautionary measure.
The facility began implementing measures to prevent the spread of the virus in accordance with Centers for Disease Control advice in February. Those measures include providing additional personal protection equipment like masks and gloves, screening inmates for the virus during the intake process, monitoring inmates for symptoms of the virus and reducing employee and inmate contact inside the facility where possible.
"Every employee is now screened and has their temperature taken upon arriving at work each day," Hearn said. "Our nurses are making rounds, checking on prisoners to see if any of them are experiencing symptoms. We have social distancing. And we are cleaning and sanitizing throughout the facility."
Jay Eason, Director of Operations at LaSalle Corrections said the company's pandemic contingency plan includes "screening, testing, appropriate treatment, prevention, education, and infection control measures" and said the virus has not caused disruption to the orderly operation of facilities.
Eason said the facility is prepared to continue to operate safely and appropriately and provide inmates with the services they need.
"The responsibility to protect those in our custody is paramount and LaSalle Corrections is firmly committed to the health and welfare of our detained population," Eason said.
Eason said LaSalle Corrections is also working closely with the Texas Jail Commission and other federal, state, and local agencies to confront COVID-19. The Rolling Plains Detention Facility has a capacity of 548 with a census today of 483 detainees.