FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2020
Santa Clara County, CA – After nine months without a single detected case of transmission within its juvenile facilities, today the County of Santa Clara is reporting that nine youth have recently tested positive at Juvenile Hall and William F. James Ranch facilities, as well as four staff members. On Saturday, November 28, 2020, a youth detained in James Ranch tested positive for COVID-19 after reporting symptoms. Subsequently, on November 30, 2020, a youth who was detained at Juvenile Hall also exhibited COVID-19 symptoms, was tested and confirmed positive.
In consultation with the Public Health Department and following established protocols, all youth who were in close contact with these individuals were tested and began a 14 day quarantine. The Probation Department has notified all caregivers of the youth who have tested positive for COVID-19, and they are all receiving excellent medical care.
As a precautionary measure, all youth who are housed in James Ranch have been tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they were in close contact with the youth who tested positive, and testing is underway for all youth in Juvenile Hall. On-site testing has also been conducted for all Probation staff members who work at James Ranch and Juvenile Hall.
Given the record surge in COVID-19 cases across Santa Clara County, all congregate settings are at high risk for COVID-19 transmission despite numerous precautions and detailed protocols put into place in accordance with public health guidance. The Probation Department, in collaboration with the Public Health Department, is investigating the source of the exposures and and will make any needed enhancements to its protocols. Additionally, the Probation Department is working with its justice system partners to assess whether additional youth can be safely released from custody to further reduce the risk of transmission within Juvenile Hall.
The County urges all residents to continue to do their part to reduce transmission by wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and avoiding contact with people outside their household.
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