Jail worker tests positive for virus

FORT SMITH -- The Sebastian County sheriff's office was informed on Wednesday that a jail deputy has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The sheriff's office is coordinating with the Health Department for mass testing at the jail, according to a news release. Sheriff Hobe Runion has notified all other law enforcement agencies that use the jail, as well as all court system personnel in Sebastian County.

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"So far, this is the only detention center employee who has tested positive," the release states. "At this time, no inmates are suspected of having covid-19. The testing is being conducted as a follow-up measure to this recent news and to protect the health and well-being of those who are housed and work there."

The jail employee has not been at work since July 2, the release states.

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