FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2020
FDC Responds to COVID-19 at Columbia Correctional Institution
Measures continue to protect inmate population and staff.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On July 29, Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) announced new positive test results of COVID-19 within the inmate population at Columbia Correctional Institution. FDC received positive results back for additional inmates who were exposed to a COVID-19. At this time, 1,216 inmates housed at Columbia CI have tested positive for COVID-19. Columbia CI houses approximately 2,200 inmates.
“The great majority of inmates at Columbia CI who have tested positive are showing mild or no symptoms of the virus. For those that do require an elevated level of medical care, our health care professionals continue to go above and beyond to provide outstanding medical attention,” said Secretary Mark Inch. “Working in tandem with our security staff, they are ensuring that inmates receive the care they need while still fulfilling FDC’s important public safety mission.”
As the health care provider for inmates, FDC cannot provide any additional specifics regarding the unit in order to protect their protected health information
To keep Florida residents, inmates at the facility and visitors safe and aware about the status of the virus, FDC is issuing regular updates as information becomes available at www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html.
FDC is closely monitoring developments associated with the spread of this disease. FDC's Office of Health Services, institutional medical staff and institutional operations staff work hand- in-hand with the Department of Health to quickly engage and resolve infectious disease outbreaks as soon as they occur.
Ensuring inmates incarcerated in Florida’s prisons receive an appropriate level of medical and behavioral treatment is one of FDC’s core constitutional responsibilities.
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As Florida's largest state agency, and the third largest state prison system in the country, FDC employs 24,000 members, incarcerates 80,000 inmates and supervises nearly 146,000 offenders in the community.
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