COVID-19 Inmate dies at hospital, according to Sheriff’s Department
A Riverside County inmate has died "from what appeared to be complications related to COVID-19," the Riverside County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
The inmate passed away at a hospital less than a week after being taken by ambulance from the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
The inmate has not been identified by the Sheriff's Office, "pending notification to the family."
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office released this timeline of events.
August 11, 2018: The "inmate was booked into custody of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department for arson and burglary. His bail was set at $1,000,000."
April 13, 2020: "... medical staff at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility (SCF) determined the inmate was displaying flu-like symptoms. The inmate was immediately tested for COVID 19 and transferred to another housing unit to be more closely monitored by medical staff.
April 14, 2020: Test results confirmed "the inmate tested positive."
On April 20, 2020: "...SCF custody staff became aware the inmate’s flu-like symptoms worsened and advised jail medical staff. Medical staff assessed the inmate, determined the inmate required further treatment at a hospital, and the inmate was transported by ambulance to an area hospital."
April 26, 2020: The inmate "passed away while at the hospital from what appeared to be complications related to COVID-19."
The exact cause of the inmate's death has not been confirmed at this point.
"The Riverside Sheriff’s Department is working diligently to address the COVID-19 pandemic and values the health and safety of all those who live and work within its correctional facilities."
On April 17, Sheriff Chad Bianco posted a video on social media to provide the latest update on the department's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
At that time, Sheriff Bianco said that 71 employees have tested positive, but nine employees have recovered and have returned to work. He expects more employees to return to work over the next couple of weeks.
County health officials count 135 confirmed cases of coronavirus in county jails, and say 94 cases are considered recovered.
More: RSO ordered to draft plan for county jail healthcare conditions during coronavirus pandemic
A local mother recently shared her concerns about inmates and the contagious coronavirus with News Channel 3.
You can watch her story here:
