Employee at the Blair County Prison tests positive for COVID-19

Nicole M. Hemminger, chief clerk and county administrator, released the following statement on Sunday, Oct. 11:

On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, the Blair County Board of Commissioners was made aware of an employee at the Blair County Prison testing positive for COVID-19. Using the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control guidance, all employees with potential exposure were identified and placed on a precautionary 14-day quarantine. At this time, there is believed to be no inmate exposure.

Blair County inmates are under the care of PrimeCare Medical. PrimeCare has implemented procedures and protocols to limit the amount of exposure to inmates, including regular temperature checks and monitoring for symptoms. No inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 at this time.

Blair County cannot share further details due to the need to protect confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements. Personnel at all Blair County worksites will now follow temperature-taking protocols before entering the premises. For the courthouse, screenings will occur at the Allegheny Street entrance.

The Blair County Courthouse remains open with limited access to certain areas of the building. The public is encouraged to call the office they are visiting before coming to the Courthouse to make an appointment or choose an alternate means to conduct business.