He stated that, through video surveillance, it was determined a group of inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center-North County Correctional Facility deliberately attempted to infect themselves with COVID-19.

“Multiple men were seen sipping from a single bottle of hot water for two reasons:  To falsely elevate their oral temperature moments before having their temperature taken by a nurse, and to spread the potential of infection,” he explained.

“The bottle and a secondary cup of hot water were passed among the men inside of a day room, which is a common area next to a housing area with beds, akin to the living room of a house or apartment. There was plenty of space in which to observe physical distancing, however, the men chose to interact close to each other, making their intentions obvious.”

He noted that as a direct result of the behavior seen in the video, 21 men tested positive for COVID-19 within a week, adding that a gross misunderstanding among the inmate population led many to believe that those diagnosed with COVID-19 may be released.

Current numbers show there were a total of 4,590 inmates quarantined within the Los Angeles County jail system, 317 were isolated. Since the pandemic, a total of 222 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus inside the jail, 117 inmates recovered and 18 inmates released from custody after testing positive for COVID-19, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff.