According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, a total of 2,361 detained individuals had tested positive for COVID-19 while in custody as of February 15, 2021. Of those who tested positive, 219 were isolated for 10 days or less prior to release, meaning they may still have been contagious. This represents less than 10% of individuals who tested positive and 1% of total jail releases during the time frame reviewed. Of the 219 inmates released while still potentially contagious, most (62%) originally tested positive for COVID-19 at intake, meaning they didn’t acquire the virus in jail.
Study links short stays at Cook County Jail early in the pandemic to the spread of COVID-19 in Black and Latino neighborhoods after inmates’ release
Prepare Now Before its too Late
Discover where products are available & compare prices
