ICE Finds 1% Coronavirus Infection Rate

As part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) proactive efforts to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities, ICE began offering voluntary testing to all detainees at the Aurora, Colorado facility. 

The expanded testing identified 4 positive COVID-19 cases, who have received related care services.

Current ICE guidance encourages facilities to isolate new admissions into the detention network for 14 days before introducing them to the general population.

The initial testing period took place from June 9 to June 18, 2020, ICE announced 427 detainees tested negative for COVID-19, 49 declined to be tested, and one test was inconclusive and is being readministered.

Health providers discussed the COVID-19 test results with detainees and continue to offer voluntary testing to detainees who initially declined to be tested. ICE will continue offering tests to all new admissions to the facility.

“The health and welfare of individuals in ICE custody continue to be a top priority for ICE,” said John Fabbricatore, field office director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver, in a press statement. 

“ICE has taken numerous steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but offering this voluntary testing shows how the agency is using all resources available to ensure the safety of our detained population.”

Prior to the implementation of expanded testing, ICE facilities must ensure that staff has the proper personal protective equipment to ensure safety during testing and that operational plans are in place to properly house detainees based on test results.

ICE uses molecular testing methodologies recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to detect SARS-CoV-2 and technology that has been approved by and granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including a combination of the Abbott ID NOW instruments for Rapid RNA testing, as well as existing laboratory testing capabilities from commercial laboratories.

CoronavirusToday publishes COVID-19 disease outbreak news.