An inmate at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station was transported to the hospital for flu-like symptoms, but does not have coronavirus COVD-19., officials said.

After being transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, the inmate was cleared and sent back to the station, said Shirley Miller, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Station.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we had the inmate checked out,” Miller said. “The symptoms did not meet the criteria of the virus.”

Sheriff Alex Villanueva held a press conference Monday to discuss updated procedures to decrease the spread of coronavirus in the county.

Visitation is limited for inmates in L.A. County jails. Deputies are encouraged to cite and release for nonviolent offenders that do not pose risk to the community.

https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/videos/1286124885111139/

“No confirmed cases of inmates currently infected with virus, No confirmed cases of LASD deputies infected. Isolation/quarantine procedures in effect at slightest hint of illness or exposure,” said the official Twitter for Villanueva.

Although no confirmed cases have been reported in the over 16,000 inmates countywide, 21 inmates are being quarantined as a precaution, according to the Sheriff.

Three LASD personnel are also under self-quarantine after being exposed to a patient who later died from COVID-19, according to the department.

See Related: L.A. County First Responders Under Self-Quarantine After Exposure To Coronavirus Patient

On Thursday, officials with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station announced the limiting of access to the station lobby for non-emergencies until the end of March due to coronavirus concerns, according to Miller.

The station is still open for regularly-scheduled child custody exchanges and individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement for compliance to terms of release.

Residents are also still able to go to the station for situations in which a law enforcement presence is needed to immediately protect life, safety or property, according to the LASD.

As of Monday morning, there are three confirmed cases of coronavirus in Santa Clarita.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

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