COVID-19 outbreak at Mercer County Jail

Mercer County, Pa. - The Mercer County Jail has temporarily closed to visitors as it handles a COVID-19 outbreak.
Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker tells 21 News that as of Monday, 14 inmates and 7 officers have tested positive for the virus. There are around 180 inmates at the jail currently.
Acker says that it isn't known where the exposure started, but that the jail will continue to follow all appropriate measures including masks, taking temperatures, and regular cleaning.
Another contributor to the spread is the lack of vaccinations among inmates. Acker says that information about the vaccine is posted around the jail and vaccines are readily available for those who want it, but it is ultimately the inmates choice whether or not to get vaccinated.
Family visits to the jail are restricted at this time.
With seven officers out until they test negative, Acker says that staffing is an issue. Officers will fill-in shifts where needed for now, but longer terms solutions could become necessary.
During the beginning of the pandemic, some inmates with lesser, nonviolent offenses were moved out of the jail and placed on house arrest. Acker says that this move was successful, and could be utilized again if staffing issues continue.