Updated 4/7/20

When you are a first responder COVID-19 is taking a toll on everyone from a physical, emotional, and mental standpoint.
To combat COVID-19, Giles County deputies are setting up screening area and quarantine tents outside of the jail.
Members of the National Guard were setting up a pre-screening facility Monday in a secured fenced area of the county jail where prisoners are first brought in.
In the past, a deputy would bring the prisoner inside and book them. Now, a jailer comes out to meet the deputy and prisoner and asks the inmate health questions about COVID-19.
If a prisoner shows no signs of sickness, they are admitted to the jail and if there is a concern,  the prisoner is brought to a quarantine tent set up behind the fence.
"If there are signs or symptoms,  the prisoner will be transferred to a secured area,” said Lieutenant Shane Hunter with the Sheriff’s Office.
A nurse and jailer wearing protective gear will isolate the prisoner, taking temperature readings and getting more medical information.
Hunter said if there are signs of COVID-19 the prisoner will be brought in the second tent and quarantined.
Sheriff Kyle Helton said no Giles County prisoners will be allowed into the jail until they are cleared medically.
If a prisoner has COVID-19 they could be sent to the local hospital based on bed availability and it also depends on the crime.
Hunter said the stress level on road deputies is very high.