On December 31, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office received the results of the COVID-19 testing that was done on the jail population December 26 and 27, 2020. As expected, the number of confirmed cases amongst the incarcerated population rose to 63. Seventeen individuals have been released from isolation and 7 others were released from custody, having been released through the courts or being time served. This leaves the number of active cases in the jail at 39.
The confirmed cases are largely isolated to the original outbreak areas with a small number being discovered outside the quarantine area. We continue to identify these individuals and attempt to quarantine them away from unaffected inmates. Testing will continue in targeted areas to identify any new cases while on-site medical providers continue to monitor and care for those affected individuals.
Of the diagnosed inmates, one was transported to an area hospital this morning, January 1, 2021, where he was admitted for observation to monitor this subject due to concerns of breathing difficulties.
Staff testing is ongoing with 13 staff members quarantined to date. Although several new cases were identified amongst staff, some of the original staff members that were found to be positive were released to return to work. As of January 1, 2021, five staff members have returned to work having been cleared. Because we are continuing to receive results, these numbers are changing daily.
Testing amongst jail staffing has been increased to twice weekly. Staff are reporting to OptumServe for testing.
The Sheriff’s Office administration continues to work with our area and State partners to identify targeted testing audiences within the jail, we are also working towards constant surveillance testing. The goal is to continually develop the most effective mitigation protocols, and arrange for safe return of jail releases into the community.
(Mendocino County Sheriff's Office - Press Release)
Lasting immunity against COVID
-> Updated: 28 Dec 2020, 07:28 PM IST
The study, published in the journal Science Immunology, found that 89% of healthcare workers analysed carried neutralising antibodies 16-18 weeks after infection…
“Even more encouragingly, in 66% of healthcare workers we see levels of these protective antibodies are high and that this robust antibody response is complemented by T cells which we see reacting to various parts of the virus,” Gibbons said.
Describing the finding as “good news”, he explained that if someone has been infected with the coronavirus, there is a good chance that they will have developed antibodies and T cells that may provide some protection in case they encounter the virus again…
The research also found that T cell responses tended to be higher in those with the classic, defining symptoms of COVID-19, while asymptomatic infection resulted in a weaker T cell immunity than symptomatic infection, but equivalent neutralising antibody responses.
The new study also provides reassurance for vaccination efforts, suggesting that even following mild infection, individuals carry antibody and T cell immunity to many parts of the virus, known as epitopes.
The researchers noted that while new variants are appearing, the changes to the virus don’t necessarily occur within these epitopes so it is hoped the vast majority of immune recognition can likely continue unperturbed.
“Our study in asymptomatic and mild cases gives a positive insight into the durability of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after four months of infection,” Corinna Pade, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Queen Mary, said.
The researchers noted that it is an important finding as mild or even no symptoms of COVID-19 are very common and representative of most infections in the community.
https://www.livemint.com/science/news/lasting-immunity-against-covid-found-after-mild-or-asymptomatic-infection-study-11609163406120.html