Carbon County Correctional Facility has reported that there have been over a dozen cases of COVID-19 in the prison over the last month.

During the county prison board meeting on Wednesday, acting Warden Laura Banta reported that 15 positive cases had occurred in the female unit, which is an open, dormitory-style unit rather than cells.

“We had a little bit of an outbreak,” Banta said, noting that the women were quarantined for 14 days and then retested. They have since come back negative for COVID.

In addition, another COVID-positive case was found in the booking area and another inmate who was showing symptoms of COVID was tested but results haven’t come back yet.

The Carbon County Correctional Facility currently has an inmate population of 188.

Because of the recent cases, Banta said that reopening visitation has been delayed at this time.

On the staff side, three employees have tested positive recently, but the board feels mandating mask wearing is helping curb a further outbreak.

Banta said that staff is following the masking requirement, but inmates have to continuously be reminded to wear them in common areas.

Vaccinations

The prison is also continuing to offer monthly COVID-19 vaccination clinics for inmates.

Banta reported that on Sept. 28, 15 inmates received their first dose of vaccine and will get the second dose on Oct. 26. Any other inmates who would like to get their first dose can do so at that time as well.

Warden search

Prison Board President Sheriff Anthony Harvilla said that the warden search is moving forward.

Interviews are scheduled for next week and the panel hopes to make a recommendation to the prison board in the near future.