THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 10, 2020 Page 7 COVID-19 jail cases remain at zero for fifth straight week M iddlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian recently announced that for the fifth straight week, the number of incarcerated individuals testing positive for COVID-19 at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction stands at zero. “Over the past four months, our staff has done an incredible job confronting this unprecedented public health challenge,” said Koutoujian. “While we have reached an important milestone in our efforts to address COVID-19, we remain vigilant. The health and safety of our incarcerated population, our staff, and our wider community remain our chief priority.” During the last five weeks, 14 COVID-19 tests were administered, all of which came back negative. Of those 14 tests, 10 were conducted as precautionary measures, including seven of which were for individuals either reentering the community or being transferred to other jurisdictions. Four individuals entering the facility from the community were immediately isolated and tested based on medical protocols. Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employees donate plasma Koutoujian also announced that 11 Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) staff members who previously tested positive for COVID-19 – and have recovered – have donated plasma in the hopes of helping individuals who are still battling the virus. “The men and women of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office are dedicated professionals, committed to serving their communities and helping their fellow citizens,” said Koutoujian. “These 11 employees decided to create something positive out of their diagnosis, and it is a real testament to their selflessness. I am incredibly proud of them for their thoughtfulness and desire to help others.” The plasma of recovered COVID-19 individuals – also known as convalescent plasma – contains numerous proteins developed by that individual’s immune system to overcome the virus. These antibodies have become the basis of medical interventions for patients with life-threatening diagnoses of COVID-19, as well as research into potential vaccines for the novel coronavirus. “I’m lucky enough to have fully recovered from COVID-19 on my own,” said MSO’s Program Coordinator for the Medication Assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery (MATADOR) Program, Crystal Miske. “With that, and just two hours of my time I could potentially save the lives of three people. If I have the ability to give back by donating plasma to those who may not be as lucky to recover on their own, it’s a no brainer for me. If it could save only one person, or buy a family a few more moments or days with their loved one, I’d still do it. If you can help, you should.” “Seeing the selflessness of all my colleagues when I was out of work, I felt bad I wasn’t able to be there to help,” said Officer Shawn Ankenbauer. “I was inspired when I saw the doctors, nurses and others working weekends, nights and holidays to do their parts. It was great to see everyone coming together and working together. That’s what made me want to donate – to do my part to help.” MSO announces new asymptomatic COVID-19 cases Cases confirmed, suspected to be a result of community-based contacts. No positive tests reported in main facility B ILLERICA, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office today announced seven individuals, including six Work Release and Community Work Program participants residing in a minimum security building, physically separated from the facility’s main housing structure, have tested positive for COVID-19. All six minimum security cases are currently suspected to be as a result of community-based contacts outside the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. The seventh individual entered the facility having previously tested positive in the community. Each of the individuals remains asymptomatic and all seven have been placed in medical isolation to be monitored. These are the first positive tests involving any incarcerated individuals at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction since mid-May. “While the incredible efforts of our staff to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 resulted in six straight weeks without a positive test, we were always cognizant the virus could return – most likely as a result of a community contact or through a new arrestee,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “With a constant flow of new admittances – nearly 750 since March 1 – it was never a matter of if we’d see more cases, but when – and we have been prepared to respond immediately.” On Tuesday morning, the MSO received the initial positive result on a COVID test that had proactively been administered to an individual as part of his preparation for potential parole. The individual, who participated in the office’s Work Release program, was immediately placed in medical isolation, per protocol, and all non-essential movement in and out the building was temporarily suspended. In consultation with our infectious diseases expert 28 additional individuals living in the building were tested, with five positive results and 23 negatives. Individuals participating in Work Release, are eligible to leave the facility to take part in employment activities at community-based jobsites and are monitored by GPS while outside the facility. Those involved in the Community Work Program take part in both onsite and offsite painting, cleanup, beautification and other projects under the direct supervision of a correction officer. The MSO has notified employers associated with the Work Release program of the results. “Working with our infectious diseases specialist we will continue to maintain our high level of vigilance and preparation,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “As we have throughout this pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all those who live in, work at and visit the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.” Everett splash pads opening for summer W ith the summer season in full swing, the City of Everett has officially opened its splash pads for public use. “It’s nice to do this for the children. They’ve been held up inside for months so I’m happy they can take advantage of the splash pads,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “In the same token, we all have a responsibility to do our part as the coronavirus continues to spread in other states. I just Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 62 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! ask everyone to be responsible.” Splash pads will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations: • Swan Street Park • Florence Street Park (Big Flo) • Sacramone • Meadow • Keverian • Day Park • Central Avenue • Upper Florence All park attendees must continue to practice social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings may be removed if people are outdoors and six feet apart. Summer is Here!
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