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The Georgia Department of Corrections has reported two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Center.

According to its website, one of the cases is a staff member while the other case is an offender.

When the offender begins exhibiting symptoms indicative of the virus, they are immediately placed in medical isolation, pending testing and remain there until they are cleared.

If a staff member becomes ill with the virus, they are not permitted to return to work until cleared by a medical professional.

In order to curb the spread of the pandemic, the GDC is monitoring all staff entering facilities with a touchless temperature screening prior to entering. They also are providing questionnaire- based screening and attestation documents to all entering.

Additionally, educational materials have been provided to staff and inmates that include hand washing and symptoms posters.

Facility sanitation enhancements have been implemented at all GDC locations; this includes increased chemical orders statewide and increased availability of hand sanitizer and soap at all locations.

While the Decatur County Jail has not had any inmates or staff test positive, Warden Gordon Screen said they are taking all precautions and following these guidelines.

“We are doing temperature checks when everyone comes in,” Screen said. “Twice a day we do bleach water mixtures to clean and remind everyone of good sanitation practices.”

Screen said they will continue to keep an eye on everything as the virus evolves in nature.

The GDC has provided a link that updates family and friends on the most recent outbreak data in prisons and other GDC facilities, due to no visitation being allowed at this time.

The link can be found at http://www.gdc.ga.gov/content/cases.