Another Corrections Department worker in Tallahassee tests positive for coronavirus

Casey Chapter, Tallahassee Democrat
Published 12:08 p.m. ET June 1, 2020 | Updated 1:10 p.m. ET June 1, 2020


A Florida Department of Corrections employee who works in Tallahassee has tested positive for the coronavirus, the department reports.

The department responded Monday, nearly two weeks after an initial inquiry by the Tallahassee Democrat on May 21. The state prisons agency said it was informed of the employee's status on May 19.

This is at least the second employee to test positive who works in the department's headquarters in downtown's Carlton Building on South Calhoun Street. 

The latest person had not returned to work for four days before the test results were confirmed, according to a statement.

The prison's agency informed staff members who may have had close contact with the person. They are now required to wear masks and monitor themselves for symptoms, including doing temperature checks.

Furthermore, the employee's work station was sanitized May 14, according to the department, which did not identify the person or job position.

"Our employees are our most important asset and we take their health and welfare seriously," the department said in its statement.

Department employees have been given guidance on how to limit the spread of the virus, and hand sanitizer and soap are readily available throughout the building. And staff members who can work from home have been encouraged to do so, the department added.