Four inmates at prison test positive for COVID

MT. PLEASANT - Four inmates at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Thursday morning, Marcy Stroud, deputy warden of the facility, confirmed.

Stroud said this is the first time the prison has had multiple positives at one time. The facility reported its first positive COVID-19 case in July.

Of the four offenders who have tested positive, Stroud said two were roommates.

The other two positive cases 'were not living anywhere near each other.”

Following the positive tests, the inmates will be placed in medical isolation within an area of the facility, which was repurposed since the beginning of March in anticipation of positive cases.

When an inmate comes forward with symptoms, both the inmate and his roommate are placed in isolation until test results return, Stroud said.

If an inmate tests positive, they remain in isolation for 14 days.

Stroud said the facility follows the state's correctional department's master action plan, modified to fit their specific setting. Currently all inmates have been issued personal protective equipment and are required, alongside staff, to be wearing a face mask and face shield at all times.

The facility asks inmates to report if they are experiencing symptoms. The prison health department conducts the tests, which are provided by the state hygienic lab.

The deputy warden said the facility has heightened sanitation procedures and has purchased cleaners that are 'designed better for a virus of this nature.” Stroud added when an offender is suspected to be positive and moved to a medical cell, a trained team cleans the areas the inmate has been in contact with.

Following the four positive tests, the facility is on a restricted movement status, according to a news release from the state Department of Corrections. The status will be lifted 'as soon as staff are confident viral spread has been contained.”