Georgia Department of Corrections Coronavirus (COVID - 19) - Update

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Three Offenders Test Positive at One Facility

FORSYTH, Ga. - The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has received notification today, March 20, from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) that three (3) offenders that were housed at Lee State Prison (SP) in Leesburg, Ga., have tested positive for COVID-19. One offender was hospitalized on March 15th, and two were hospitalized March 16, with flu-like symptoms and have been hospitalized since that time.

There are currently three additional offenders at Lee SP under observation for exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Measures have been taken to screen and quarantine the entire inmate population at that facility.

All staff are being screened prior to entry, to include temperature screening, and currently no staff have exhibited signs of flu or COVID-19.

The GDC will continue to monitor all staff and offenders at Lee SP, and follow our enhanced protocols, along with guidance provided by the Department of Public Health regarding prevention of further spread of the virus.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.