2 additional inmates test positive for COVID-19, Harris Co. reports

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two additional Harris County Jail inmates have tested positive COVID-19, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said there are currently 30 inmates in the Harris County Jail with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and are awaiting test results.

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About 800 inmates, who were potentially exposed to the virus but who do not have symptoms, are in quarantine for observation. So far, according to HCSO, five inmate tests have come back negative for the virus.

The first inmate was reported on Sunday, March 29. The inmate was booked into the jail on Tuesday, March 17, after being arrested by the Houston Police Department for a parole violation.

On Wenesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed a 14-page order setting up the release of up to 1,000 non-violent inmates.

Hidalgo called it "a decision necessary for the health and safety of the community." In announcing the order, Hidalgo again called the Harris County Jail "a ticking time bomb."

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Map of COVID-19 cases across the US, updated as confirmed by CDC

The video in the post is from a previous story.