Sheriff: COVID-19 outbreak at McLean County Jail leaves over 30 total positive

Posted on December 16, 2021
Sandage also says the onsite video visitation schedule remains the same at this time. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – 26 inmates and six staff members at the McLean County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, despite the detention facility’s protocols and procedures.

A release from Sheriff Jon Sandage says the first inmate tested positive on Saturday, December 11, after mandatory testing before being transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections.

That inmate — and a majority of the others — are asymptomatic. Those who do have symptoms are reporting mild cold and flu-type complaints, the sheriff said.

The detention facility is continuing quarantine procedures and testing will be done every three days, with help from the health department, McLean County Emergency Management Agency and jail medical staff.

Sandage says there will be no non-essential inmate movement and arrangements have been made through the judiciary to have virtual court hearings for inmates unless in-person is requested by the judge.

Sandage also says the onsite video visitation schedule remains the same at this time.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].

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