TDOC Directs Fourth Round of Mass Testing

HARTSVILLE - A fourth round of mass testing has begun at a CoreCivic prison in order to further ensure the safety of staff and inmates.  Beginning today, all inmates at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center (TTCC) will be tested for COVID-19. CoreCivic, the operators of TTCC, will begin testing their employees on Wednesday.

Based on the return of several positive COVID-19 test results at TTCC, the Department of Correction directed the facility to provide additional testing for inmates.  CoreCivic is collaborating with the department in this effort.

TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker has called mass testing a strategic and proactive targeted plan based on aggressive contact tracing to address the pandemic. To date, 3,810 inmates have been tested.  Results of the tests will be made available on the Tennessee Department of Correction website.

To date, 93 inmates at TTCC have tested positive for COVID-19. Statewide, 756 inmates at seven facilities have tested positive, the vast majority of whom are asymptomatic. Eight inmates were hospitalized. All but three have been released from the hospital and are recovering.

The Department has also produced and delivered more than 93,000 masks for staff, inmates, county jails, and health care workers.  Disinfection and safety measures are ongoing at all facilities.  Staff and inmates are being reminded to continue practicing the recommendations from the CDC and the TDH to help prevent spreading COVID-19.

The Department of Correction encourages members of the public to visit our website for Frequently Asked Questions Related To COVID-19.