Riverside County, CA — Terrell Young, a 52-year old sheriff’s deputy who worked at a jail in California has died from coronavirus. He reportedly contracted the virus from an infected inmate, and officials say 25 other employees and 11 inmates have also tested positive.
Bianco said it has yet been clear how Young, who is assigned to the Murrieta jail, came into contact with the virus, but he was evidently exposed to an inmate whom he escorted to the Riverside University Health System.
Almost a week after that, Young had a fever and went home. The inmate he escorted, as well as 9 other employees, also began experiencing symptoms on the same day. Young was then taken to the hospital when his condition worsened until he died.
Young, who is a father of 4, was described as a “fantastic role model.” Bianco said, “Employees knew they could count on him for good advice. Terell was always on time and very well liked by his peers and supervisors, and always willing to lend a hand. He was always smiling. According to many, he was known for his smile and he will be deeply missed.”
Meanwhile, 25 employees and 11 inmates have so far tested positive for COVID-19. 60 inmates who also showed symptoms are in quarantine. 16 employees and 51 inmates are still waiting for the test results.
Bianco assured that they are trying their best to help prevent the further spread of the virus. He said that staff who were ill were sent home and they are on skeletal operations. Family visitations are also not allowed in the meantime as the correctional facilities are currently closed to the public.
“I would like to impress upon the public that if you have a loved one in jail, you don’t have anything to worry about,” Bianco added. “We are doing a fantastic job quarantining inmates (who are showing signs of illness), treating them and keeping them separate from the general population.”