COLUMBUS — Annette Chambers-Smith, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director, confirmed to her staff Monday that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
Chambers-Smith was tested Friday, July 24, after she began not feeling well. She received her positive test result today, July 27.
A contact tracing has begun for staff who have been working at the Operation Support Center and may have come in recent contact with Chambers-Smith (a vast majority of staff at OSC have been working from home since March).
Chambers-Smith has not physically been inside a prison since June 26, 2020, and has not been at OSC since last Tuesday.
“For months, managing COVID within Ohio’s prisons has been my single highest priority,” she said in a prepared statement issued Monday.
“While I am focusing on my health and doing what is recommended – which is to monitor my symptoms and self-quarantine, I will continue to ensure DRC is taking all necessary steps and precautions to maintain the health and safety of all of our staff and incarcerated population. Our agency continues to be in good hands, and we are working together as a team during these challenging times.”
Chambers-Smith is working from and managing her symptoms at home, which are mild at this time, according to the statement from her office.
Cox Media Group
