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BY FRED PETKE

Sun Reporter

A work release prisoner from the Clark County Detention Center tested positive for COVID-19, giving the facility its first positive case of the coronavirus.

Clark County Jailer Frank Doyle said jail staff was notified Jan. 9 after the prisoner was taken to the hospital for other health issues.

Doyle told the Clark County Fiscal Court Wednesday morning everyone in the cell with the patient and staff have been tested and all were negative.

“For 11 months, my staff have been taking steps to prevent this virus,” Doyle said. “It was never a question of if, but rather a question of when it would strike.”

Doyle said the other prisoners in the cell were tested Jan. 12 by health department staff. Most of the jail staff has been vaccinated as well, he said.

“It’s a testament to how well the staff has performed in keeping it at bay,” Doyle said.

Doyle said all prisoners have been issued masks, and staff are required to wear a mask before entering the building and throughout their shift.

“When an employee enters the building, you have to wear a mask,” Doyle said. “We would be the carriers. We would be the ones to bring it in.”

Doyle said hand sanitizer and soap as been placed in the cells and throughout the facility.

The jail began restricting visitation to the facility in March 2020.