An Atlanta area Department of Juvenile Justice employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. It is the agency’s first known case.

The employee last reported to Metro Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County for work on March 16.

DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said the employee had no contact with any juveniles during the March 16 shift. Oliver said three employees that came in contact with the sick employee have been asked to self-quarantine until March 30.

Those employees and no other employees or young offenders are known to have symptoms of the virus.

There were 91 young offenders and between 20-25 employees at the regional detention center while the sick employee was working.

Georgia Department of Corrections officials reported last week that three inmates at Lee State Prison and one employee had tested positive for the virus. Officials declined to say where the employee worked.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, then a Republican, holds up a coaster he received from his father that says "Doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing. Stay strong," on the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Arvin Temkar AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com