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Calif. correctional officer dies after contracting COVID-19

Officials confirmed Officer Jose Kates’ death, but did not provide any further details

By Sarah Calams

DELANO, Calif. — A North Kern State Prison correctional officer has died after contracting COVID-19.

Glen Stailey, president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, confirmed Officer Jose Kates’ death to KGET.com. However, no further details were provided about his death.

“We are committed to fighting this disease in our institutions. We are disappointed that the department has issued conflicting and sometimes confusing guidelines that created dysfunction and outright failure at some institutions,” Stailey said. “We have purchased and distributed PPE to our members statewide. Officers who test positive or exhibit symptoms should be placed on administrative leave and their identities and medical status will be protected.”

We will update this article once more details become available.

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