FDC Responds to COVID-19 at Tomoka Correctional Institution

Additional measures taken to protect inmate population and staff

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On April 15, Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) announced new positive test results of COVID-19 within the inmate population at Tomoka Correctional Institution Main Unit. FDC received positive results back for seven inmates who were showing symptoms of COVID-19 at Tomoka CI. Tomoka CI Main Unit currently houses 1,226 inmates.

To keep Florida residents, inmates at the facility and visitors safe and aware about the status of the virus, FDC is issuing regular updates as information becomes available at www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html.

In addition to measures already in place to protect inmates, FDC initiated the following actions:

  • Tomoka CI transitioned to providing all services including medical services and meals to inmates within their dormitories.
  • Institutional response teams were activated to address emerging needs.
  • FDC coordinated with the county health department to initiate aggressive testing within the facility. All symptomatic inmates are being tested for COVID-19. Additionally, elderly and immune-compromised inmates are given priority for testing.
  • All inmates are being monitored by health services staff and temperature checks are being conducted throughout the day.
  • All staff and inmates were issued and are required to wear cloth face coverings. These face coverings are currently being produced and distributed to officers and inmates statewide, but distribution at Tomoka CI was prioritized due to the recent positive test results.
  • Rigorous cleaning throughout the institution was already in place and has been heightened as a result of the test results.
  • Approximately 2,000 surgical grade masks were immediately sent to Tomoka CI for proper PPE utilization by staff treating inmates. Additional masks are on standby for distribution if needed.
  • All symptomatic inmates within the facility have been placed in medical isolation.
  • Inmates within the facility have access to appropriate care and treatment.
  • Inmate transfers to and from the facility have been temporarily suspended.
  • All inmate movement within the facility has been restricted.
  • Inmates continue to have access to the canteen through individual orders.
  • Inmates continue to have access to communication with family and loved ones through phone and Jpay kiosks.

FDC is closely monitoring developments associated with the spread of this disease. FDC’s Office of Health Services, institutional medical staff and institutional operations staff work hand- in-hand with the Department of Health to quickly engage and resolve infectious disease outbreaks as soon as they occur.

FDC is committed to ensuring inmates receive appropriate medical care that is in line with evolving national standards for correctional institutions. FDC has a constitutional mandate to provide health care for all inmates incarcerated in Florida’s prisons.

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