Memorandum

Date:  March 23, 2020
To: 

Honorable Lance Africk
Honorable Michael North

From:  Darnley R. Hodge
Independent Complianc
Re: 

COVID19 Update

The purpose of this memorandum is to update you on the status of the Orleans Parish
Sheriffs Office (OPSO) and the Orleans Justice Center (OJC) regarding the COVID 19 crisis.
Positive Staff Results:
•  Two (2) deputies assigned to the Orleans Justice Center have tested positive for

COVID19. These individuals are being treated at their residence.

•  One (1) civilian - from outside of the Orleans Justice Center - has tested positive. She
went for testing after her spouse had symptoms.
•  One (1) Nurse Practitioner has tested positive for COVID19.
Possible Staff Cases / Precautions:
•  Five (5) staff members - from outside ofthe Orleans Justice Center - have self­

quarantined.

•  One (l) court deputy has self-quarantined because two (2) family members tested
positive, and she was in their presence.
•  One (l) member of the Investigative Service Bureau (ISB) has self-quarantined after
being in contact with a friend who tested positive for COVID19. He is awaiting the
results of his test.
•  Four (4) transportation deputies have self-quarantined after it was determined an inmate
they transported tested positive for COVID19. They transported the inmate for his
routine dialysis appointment.
Positive Inmate Test:
•  One (l) former inmate tested positive on March 20, 2020 after being hospitalized for low
blood cell count related to kidney disease.

 Possible Inmate Cases I Precautions:
•
•

Two (2) inmates have been tested for COVID19 and we are awaiting their results. We
anticipate testing three (3) more inmates at this time.
Wellpath recently received collection kits and is now capable of collecting samples to be
sent for testing in Baton Rouge.

Tomorrows update will include information on steps being taken to keep staff and inmates safe
going forward.

cc:

Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman
Monitor Margo Frasier
Monitor Robert Greifinger