FARMINGTON – According to Davis County Sheriff officials, more inmates in the Davis County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19 as part of an ongoing outbreak.
On Christmas Day, a total of 40 inmates had tested positive, one of which was also positive and isolated. The prison’s very first case was reported on December 18, after which the number of cases steadily increased at the facility.
Of the approximately 375 inmates in the prison, 83 live in the same pod as the first man to contract the virus, officials said in a previous statement. About 35 inmates stay in the same housing unit as the man, and rapid tests found that 18 more in that unit tested positive on December 18 and 17 were negative, some of whom showed symptoms.
All positive prisoners are placed in isolation and all exposed prisoners are quarantined to prevent spread, officials said.
“We have been steadfast in our efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through our facility, taking a variety of precautions and implementing multiple procedures to reduce the risks and potential exposure,” said Davis County Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks in an earlier statement. “Given the amount of time COVID-19 has been in the community, the fact that this is the first time those under our care and under our care have been testing positive shows that the steps we’ve taken are working. At the same time, this incident reminds us that we all need to remain vigilant about our precautions and sanitation measures, in the workplace and elsewhere. ”
Lauren Bennett