Watch CBS News

COVID-19 Outbreak Hits Metropolitan Detention Center In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The downtown Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center has been forced to cancel all visitations because of a growing outbreak of COVID-19.

US-HEALTH-VIRUS-PRISON
Outside view of the Metropolitan Detention Center, amid the Covid 19 pandemic, May 12, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. - Cases of COVID-19 in the Los Angeles County jail system have spiked by nearly 60% in the span of a week, according to numbers reported on May 12, 2020 by Sheriff Alex Villanueva. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Bureau of Prisons, 219 inmates and 12 staff members at the federal facility have tested positive for COVID-19. Sixteen inmates and 10 employees who work at the Metropolitan Detention Center have recovered.

There have been no inmate or staff deaths linked to the detention center, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

Because of the outbreak, all visits to the facility – which holds both male and female offenders who are either in trial or in pretrial status -- have been suspended until further notice.

As of Tuesday, a total of 553 inmates are being housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.