An inmate at D.C. Jail has died from the novel coronavirus, Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday.
Deon Crowell, 51, who was awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder, is the first inmate at the facility to die of the coronavirus.
On Friday, Bowser released 36 inmates at the jail who were serving time for misdemeanor convictions through the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 recently passed by the D.C. Council.
The District has reported 1,955 overall positive coronavirus cases, according to data released Sunday. So far, 52 residents have died due to COVID-19, the potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
With ongoing community transmission, contact tracing is focused on positive cases associated with health care workers — including first responders — senior care facilities, correctional and detention centers, child care facilities, and facilities serving individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Guidance has been published for health care providers, employers and the public to provide information on what to do if diagnosed with or are in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
District residents are continually encouraged to stay home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.