Carbon County is working to stop the spread of COVID-19 that has infiltrated the county correctional facility.

On Friday morning, Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said that 58 of the 172 inmates at the prison have tested positive for the virus.

The numbers have grown since the beginning of the week as test results came back, he said, adding that in addition to over one third of the inmate population testing positive, approximately 21 prison staff members are out either because of testing positive or waiting on test results.

On Dec. 31, county officials said they were creating a plan to handle the shortage in corrections officers due to COVID-19, vacation time, workers’ compensation issues, family medical leave and other illnesses.

At the time, it was noted that the commissioners, warden and sheriff have been in contact with the state Department of Corrections in case the county needs assistance at the facility.