At this time, there’s no evidence of Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, in Northampton County, but Lamont McClure and the administrators at the Northampton County Prison are taking steps to prepare in the event of a possible outbreak.

The Department of Corrections has instructed its staff to avoid close contact with sick people, to wash their hands frequently, and avoid touching their face. Hand sanitizer stations are stationed throughout the jail. Any employee showing signs of illness will be directed to check in with their personal physician and may be instructed to stay home if their health is suspect. Inmates are being encouraged to continue their daily hygiene routines as well as the mandatory laundry exchange of their linens.

“There’s no reason for alarm because, as of now, Pennsylvania does not have any reported cases of the disease, but the County is taking every precaution to protect our employees and the people they serve,” says Lamont McClure.

Later this month, the County will send employees from key departments for training to be Designated Infection Control Officers. Each EMS and law enforcement agency must have a designated officer to manage exposure issues for members of the department and to assist with risk management as well as department member advocacy. This training will meet the requirements for the Ryan White Law, Part G, OSHA and NFPA 1581.