DUBLIN — Alameda County’s jail now had 27 inmates test positive for the coronavirus, but stated Wednesday that at least 12 of those have already fully recovered.
As of Wednesday, Santa Rita Jail in Dublin has 14 remaining inmates who tested positive for COVID-19. At least six inmates were reported “recovered” late Monday, and another six recovered as of Wednesday. One inmate who tested positive was released from custody.
In addition, at least two jail staff members also tested positive.
Alameda County may have the highest number of inmates who have tested positive in the immediate Bay Area. In Santa Clara County, there have been two reported cases of inmates testing positive in the Main Jail in San Jose, while no cases have been reported in San Mateo County or Contra Costa County jails.
As of Wednesday, the jail population at Santa Rita was 1,801, down 125 inmates from Sunday’s population of 1,925. In total, the population is down about 700 from its normal daily average of 2,600; the jail is one of the largest in the Bay Area, with capacity for 3,500 inmates.
The jail uses a color-coded system to separate inmates who are at risk or suspected to be at risk during the coronavirus pandemic. As of Wednesday, there are 18 “red” labeled patient/inmates being housed in a separate housing unit, those with known or suspected COVID-19. Red is the highest level, then yellow for patients with exposure to the virus, orange for those who are healthy but are high-risk and could be vulnerable, and green for healthy and asymptomatic inmates.
Advocates have called on the sheriff’s office and court system to release inmates that are either vulnerable to the virus, or close to their release dates. Advocates worry that the virus can rapidly spread throughout the jail, affecting many others.
Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods has been vocal in his efforts, commenting last week to this news organization that people serving time did not sign up for a death sentence.
“People didn’t sign up and take a plea bargain, thinking it could result in a potential death sentence,” he said.
On Monday, Alameda County Superior Court Presiding Judge Tara M. Desautels ordered the release of 56 more people from the jail. The judge also released 19 inmates Friday who had 66 days or less left to serve on their felony sentences.
