The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will launch a second proactive COVID-19 testing initiative at an East Tennessee facility this weekend, in order to further ensure the safety of staff and inmates. Based on the return of several positive COVID-19 test results at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (BCCX) in Pikeville, TDOC, in conjunction with the Governor’s Unified Command and the Department of Health (TDH) will provide additional testing for inmates.

Beginning today (Saturday, April 18, 2020), more than 400 inmates at BCCX will be tested for COVID-19. TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker called the move a strategic proactive targeted plan based on aggressive contact tracing to addressing the novel coronavirus pandemic.

To date, 12 inmates at BCCX have tested positive for COVID-19 with four other test results pending and one negative result. On April 9, TDOC, TDH and the Department of Military launched a proactive testing initiative for all employees at the facility following the positive tests of two state employees and a contract worker.

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.