CDCR: 11 inmates at Correctional Training Facility test positive for COVID-19, 26 employees at SVSP

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE 8/12/2020 4:30 p.m. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports that 11 inmates at the Correctional Training Facility currently have COVID-19. Twelve inmates have tested positive in the past 14 days, and one was released while active.

The prison had a streak of no cases among inmates, but families of inmates shared concerns with KION on July 27, just over two weeks ago, when some of the inmates were taken out of their housing areas during an investigation.

The CDCR confirmed that inmates in a Security Threat Group, or gang, in the prison were taken out. Families told KION the prisoners were stuck in close quarters without masks while they waited for the investigation was conducted. A CDCR spokesperson said safety protocols were followed.

Four prison employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in total. Two of them have returned to work.

At the neighboring Salinas Valley State Prison, 26 employees have tested positive. Six of those employees have returned to work.

One inmate at SVSP has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and three have recovered from the virus.

PREVIOUS STORY: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports that two employees at the Correctional Training Facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

It reports that they have not returned to work as of Thursday at 5 p.m.

Salinas Valley State Prison previously had an employee test positive, but that person has reportedly returned to work.

According to a population tracker, no inmates at either facility have tested positive.

CDCR says staff cases are self-reported and verified with the county department of public health.

A total of 95 CDCR employees have tested positive statewide.