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Dozens of inmates test positive for COVID-19 at Dartmouth Jail

State of MA

Update: Wednesday, 11/10
The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office today confirmed two more inmate cases, bringing the total to 29 inmates and 3 corrections officer who have tested positive so far, amid an outbreak that’s lasted about two weeks.

Tuesday, 11/9
Twenty-seven inmates at the Bristol Country House of Correction in Dartmouth have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks, according to Jonathan Darling, a spokesperson for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

The positive tests began “trickling in over the past couple of weeks,” said Darling. Thirteen of the 27 positive tests occurred this past weekend. Three corrections officers have also tested positive.

None of the infected inmates is exhibiting severe symptoms and there have been no hospitalizations, said Darling. Any inmate testing positive is placed in “medical isolation,” he added.

All inmates are offered a COVID-19 vaccine, said Darling, but he did not know the vaccination statuses of those who tested positive.

The current outbreak is not the facility’s first. Last year, more than 40 inmates tested positive.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.

Daniel Ackerman has left CAI.
In his time at the station he reported on the South Coast. He came to the station from Minnesota Public Radio, where he reported on science and the environment. Daniel has produced audio documentaries on a motley mix of topics, from the science of sewage to the history of automobile license plates. He holds a PhD in climate change ecology from the University of Minnesota. Daniel was a 2021-22 Report For America corps member.