23 Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19

HASKELL, TX – The Rolling Plains Detention Facility in Haskell has confirmed 23 detainees have tested positive for coronavirus.

According to KTXS, the detainees arrived at the facility on April 19 and April 21. The first three detainees exhibited symptoms on Thursday, prompting the facility to test and place them in medical isolation until their tests returned positive on Sunday.

“The facility is working hard to keep the virus out of the detainee population," said Dr. Pamela Hearn, Medical Director for LaSalle Corrections. "Facility employees and medical staff continue to monitor detainees. Should any detainees exhibit symptoms, we will implement our protocols to test and isolate them from other inmates.”

An additional 20 detainees tested positive on Sunday according to Haskell County Judge Kenny Thompson.

According to Hearn the facility “began preparing in January for the possibility an employee or detainee would test positive for COVID-19.” 

By February, the facility began providing masks and gloves, screening inmates for the virus during the intake, monitoring symptoms, and reducing employee and inmate contact inside the facility.

“Every employee is screened and has their temperature taken upon arriving at work each day,” Hearn said. “Our nurses are making rounds, checking on detainees to see if any of them are experiencing symptoms. We have social distancing. And we are cleaning and sanitizing throughout the facility.”