The Ohio Department of Youth Services on Monday confirmed that a part-time contractor who works at the agency’s central office tested positive for the coronavirus.
This individual began telework on March 12 and has not been in a DYS building since that time.
The last time the contractor entered a DYS correctional facility was Feb. 13. The contractor began experiencing symptoms March 20 and was tested for COVID-19 on March 23. The individual is working closely with local public health and health care providers.
“DYS staff have worked hard to protect the health and safety of our staff and youth, in line with Ohio Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control guidance on COVID-19. We will continue to constantly monitor this situation and adjust as needed,” said DYS Director Ryan Gies.
“We are very grateful that our colleague is doing well,” Gies said.
Because the contractor became symptomatic eight days after working at the central office and several weeks after time spent in the facilities, ODH officials have said they believe it is unlikely that any youth or other DYS staff members could have contracted COVID-19 from this individual.
No other staff or youth have developed symptoms.
