Corona Outbreak at Bonne Terre Prison

(Bonne Terre, Mo) - While undergoing facility-wide sentinel testing for COVID-19, 21 confirmed cases have been identified at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre.

A total of 2686 inmates and staff have been tested so far. The facility is still receiving results. The prison is following pandemic guidelines and is working with the St. Francois County Health Center to prevent further spread of the illness, according to the Center. The prison will remain closed to visitors. 

Under CDC guidelines, critical infrastructure employees of the prison are allowed to continue to work if they are asymptomatic, so long as they utilize appropriate protective equipment. However, DOC does not allow employees to work if they test positive, regardless of if they are asymptomatic, they are sent home and cannot return until they receive two negative tests. The outbreak is under on-going investigation as the Health Center works to identify contacts of positive employees. 

Inmates which have been in the facility for 14 days or more prior to testing will be counted in St. Francois County stats per Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services guidelines. 

Employees who are county residents will be counted in county stats. Cases which reside outside of St Francois County will be sent to the appropriate jurisdiction.