The South Dakota Departments Corrections and Health have conducted another mass testing event at the state Women’s Prison in Pierre.
DOC says this week, two housing units consisting of 112 inmates were tested. In total, 172 inmates in Pierre have tested positive, 19 have been symptomatic, 178 have tested negative and 93 have recovered.
Secretary of Corrections Mike Leidholt says the health and safety of staff and inmates is the number one priority. He says they’ll continue to work with DOH and follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Coronavirus testing from this week showed a total of 51 inmates in the C and D housing units of the prison tested positive for COVID-19. The other 61 inmates in those housing units tested negative. 92 inmates housed at the Pierre Community Work Center who tested positive are now considered to be recovered. Those numbers will be reflected in the tally that is updated on the DOC website at doc.sd.gov/about/Coronavirus.aspx.
DOH and DOC staff are continuing with the screening of inmates, including regular temperature checks. All inmates and staff are required to wear masks in the facilities. Inmates are encouraged to practice proper hygiene and hand washing. Cleaning and disinfecting practices are continuing.
DOC staff who interact directly with inmates who have tested positive are wearing personal protective equipment, including masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields/goggles.
There are multiple housing units for females in Pierre. The Women’s Prison consists of housing units or cell blocks A, B, C and D. Unit E is a separate building located behind the Women’s Prison. The Pierre Community Work Center is located east of the main prison and the National Guard Armory.
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