Monterey County Sheriffs Office unsure how inmates got Coronavirus

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

The Monterey County is awaiting test results for about 100 inmates who were in the same housing unit as 6 other inmates who tested positive for COVID-19.

Deputy Chief John Thornburg announced yesterday that plans are set in place to move the inmates if their test results come back positive.

Thornburg says the department is trying to put a stop to the spread by separating the 6 inmates in another area while maintaining health and safety protocols within the jail facility.

The Sheriffs Office says they are not sure how and why the inmates contracted the virus.

"“Was it one where they came in and just didn’t show any symptoms the entire time?" says Thornburg.

"Did they go to court and catch it or did they go somewhere else, we don’t know and that’s what we’re trying to figure out.”