FARMINGTON — More inmates at the Davis County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19 as part of an ongoing outbreak, according to Davis County Sheriff’s officials.
As of Christmas Day, a total of 40 inmates had tested positive with one employee positive as well and in isolation. The jail’s first-ever case was reported Dec. 18, after which cases have steadily risen at the facility.
Of the about 375 inmates in the jail, 83 live in the same pod as the first man to contract the virus, officials said in a previous statement. About 35 inmates reside in the same housing unit as the man and rapid tests showed 18 more in that unit had tested positive as of Dec. 18 with 17 testing negative, some of whom showed symptoms.
All positive inmates are placed in isolation and all exposed inmates are quarantined to prevent spread, according to officials.
“We have been steadfast in our efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus throughout our facility, taking a variety of precautions and implementing multiple procedures to reduce risk and possible exposure,” Davis County Sheriff Kelly V. Sparks said in a previous statement. “Given the amount of time that COVID-19 has been in the community, the fact that this is the first time for those in our care and custody to test positive demonstrates the steps we have taken are working. At the same time, this incident reminds us that we all must remain vigilant in our precautionary and sanitary measures, in the workplace and elsewhere.”
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Lauren Bennett