DOC Director Responds To COVID-19 Outbreaks In Prisons Across The State

Visitation has been canceled at various correctional centers across the state due to inmates testing positive for COVID-19.

These outbreaks have been happening over the past couple of weeks. On Tuesday, the Department of Corrections Director Scott Crow responded to the outbreaks.

Officials said so far, there have been nine inmates that have died, but two of them have been confirmed as dying of COVID-19 by the medical examiner.

Families of inmates have been voicing their concerns for the safety of inmates over the past weeks. Crow said he hears their concerns, but assures them he is doing everything he can to keep them safe.

"I can tell you that I am in tune with everything that we are doing to make sure the core services are provided,” said Crow. “Above that, I am making sure all medical needs are addressed. At the first sign when an inmate reaches a level that requires services beyond what we can provide, they are taken to an ER immediately.”

Right now, officials said 92% of their positive cases are asymptomatic and they have 22 inmates in the hospital.