Harris Co. inmate who tested positive for COVID-19 dies

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County Jail inmate who tested positive for coronavirus has died, officials announced Wednesday.

Doctors say the man was between the ages of 50 and 60, with serious underlying health issues.

The sheriff’s office added the man had been in the hospital for several weeks before his death. He was booked into the jail on a felony charge several months ago.

As of Wednesday, 601 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those infected, 249 are in recovery, 92 others are asymptomatic and 14 are hospitalized.

The number of inmates who have tested negative for coronavirus is 478, and 46 inmates are currently awaiting test results.

The number of Harris County Sheriff’s Office employees diagnosed with coronavirus stands at 256, including 229 who work in the jail.

There are currently 402 Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies, detention officers and support staff in quarantine for possible COVID-19 exposure.

As of Wednesday, 340 previously quarantined employees have returned to duty, including 96 who had tested positive for the virus. Twelve sheriff’s office employees are currently hospitalized because of the virus.

The sheriff’s office said it’s working with Harris County Public Health to identify co-workers, inmates, and members of the public who may have had close contact with the diagnosed employees so they can take necessary precautions, including quarantine and testing for those with symptoms.