COVID-19 outbreak among staff at Santa Cruz County Jail

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) There is an active COVID-19 outbreak at the Santa Cruz County Jail, according to the county officials.

Nine correctional officers have tested positive and are not working, and another six officers are in quarantine because of their contact with infected employees.

So far, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said none of the inmates have tested positive or showed symptoms, but all inmates and staff will be tested over the next 72 hours.

Staff say this is the first outbreak at a jail in the county. Since the pandemic began, they said they have enhanced safety procedures, screening and hygiene.

Contact tracers with the Santa Cruz County Health Department are working to find the source of the outbreak.

This is a developing story.