Cluster of COVID-19 Cases at Virginia Juvenile Detention Center Raises Concerns of 'Hotspot'

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] In a juvenile detention center in Virginia, USA, 25 inmates tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the same time.

According to an AP report on the 18th, at the 'Bon Air Juvenile Detention Center' located on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia, two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 on the 2nd, followed by 25 inmates showing symptoms who also tested positive.

This accounts for one-quarter of the 97 cases of infection reported in juvenile correctional facilities across the United States, raising concerns that this detention center could become a new hotspot.

Additionally, more than half of the 97 cases occurred in Virginia and Louisiana.

Chris Moon, the chief medical officer of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, explained that among the 25 confirmed cases, 21 showed no symptoms, while 4 exhibited symptoms more severe than a cold or flu. The inmates who tested positive were immediately isolated, and 13 have already been released.

Meanwhile, the US government has only recently started providing masks to inmates in correctional facilities, and according to AP, hand sanitizers are rarely available.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.