The Mississippi Department of Corrections has confirmed one fatal case of COVID-19 in the inmate population.
The inmate was housed at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman and has died. The inmate, who had underlying health conditions, was tested when he began exhibiting symptoms and was immediately medically isolated pending results. The results did not come in until after the inmate had died. Whether the inmate died because of the coronavirus has not been determined.
Upon learning of the one inmate positive test, the department immediately took steps to prevent the spread of the virus, Interim Commissioner Tommy Taylor said.
“The inmates under quarantine are not on lockdown, but they are not going to work or school,” Taylor said. “We are letting inmates know we are concerned about their health and will continue to make adjustments in our protocols as needed to ensure their safety.”
