COVID-19 Testing Not Planned For All Western Massachusetts Jail Inmates

Earlier this week, the sheriff of Hampden County announced that 10% of inmates in the department's Ludlow, Massachusetts, jail had tested positive for COVID-19.  But the sheriffs of the other three counties in western Massachusetts said they see no need to test all their inmates.

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said he decided to test all staff and everyone in his custody after a spike in inmates at showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Franklin County Sheriff Chris Donilan said he’s been following the guidance of medical advisors, and has no plans to conduct widespread testing at the jail he oversees in Greenfield.

"We have four separate housing units and the guys who are in one unit never mingle with the guys in another unit," he said. "As long as people are healthy and we’re doing an appropriate period for any new guys who come in. We have had one positive case since March come from inside the facility, so I just haven’t seen the need for it."

The sheriffs of Berkshire and Hampshire counties say they have no inmates currently showing symptoms of COVID-19 and have no plans to test broadly.