NWGA Jail Quarantines Entire Jail as a Precaution

One northwest Georgia jail is quarantining all of the jail inmates after positive COVID-19 tests returned on a handful of inmates.

Bartow County Sheriff Clark Millsap made the announcement Wednesday.

In response to some of the jail inmates coming back with positive COVID-19 tests we are quarantining the entire jail population effective today, October 14th. Even though these that have tested positive have been largely asymptomatic (not having bad symptoms like low oxygen levels, etc) we think it is prudent to quarantine to present the further spread.

You will still be able to do video visitation, phone calls, e-mails, etc with the folks in custody.

We have observed the mistruths that have been posted on social media the last couple of day, I can assure you that we are monitoring all the inmates in the facility and we are testing and following the state health departments guidelines and recommendations. 

We provide medical care to the inmates that far exceeds what most of them receive while they are not in custody. 

please do not call and ask if your relative or loved one has tested positive, due to HIPPA regulations, we cannot release this information to you. If the inmate tests positive, they will be told the results of their test and they can share it with you if they wish. 

Please do not believe everything you read on social media, some folks just like to spread rumors and panic when there is no need. 

My jail staff and I took an oath, to protect and serve, this includes people who are incarcerated as well. 

We take this oath very seriously and would never purposefully do anything to endanger the citizens of this county or their loved ones who might be in custody.

Your Sheriff, Clark Millsap