Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19)

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Update

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has been notified that an employee at one of the 34 state prisons has tested positive for coronavirus disease (2019) COVID-19, and is the first confirmed case within the GDC. At this time, there are no positive COVID-19 cases reported within the offender population.

The GDC is proactively taking all necessary precautions to mitigate any potential spread of the virus, to include continual screening of anyone entering a facility. We are working closely with the Department of Public Health to ensure all guidelines are followed with regard to handling of a positive COVID-19 case.

We can confirm the individual last reported to work Thursday, March 12, however, because of security and HIPAA restrictions, the GDC will not be releasing the name of the individual or any additional details at this time.

We remain vigilant in our efforts to use all resources at our disposal to maintain the safety and security of our facilities, along with the health and welfare of staff and those in our custody.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.