CUCF reports 20 inmates

have COVID

By Robert Stevens

Managing editor

11-5-2020

GUNNISON—The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) has announced a COVID outbreak at the Central Utah Correctional Facility (CUCF).

On Tuesday, UDC released a statement that they had identified an inmate at the Gunnison prison who exhibited symptoms of COVID-19. The inmate was tested and confirmed positive, prompting a string of testing and quarantine protocols throughout the facility.

As of Tuesday, out of 372 inmates tested, 20 have now been confirmed COVID positive, with more being tested. UDC officials say the outbreak is currently concentrated in the Hickory and Gale facilities.

The department is working with health officials to test and isolate positive inmates from those who are not while factoring in other considerations for moving inmates, such as gang affiliations.

Onsite medical care is being provided through the Clinical Services Bureau, which is currently operating an infirmary at the CUCF. Seriously ill inmates are handled by outside-contracted hospitals and clinics for when an infirmary cannot provide proper care.

Outbreaks at the Utah State Prison have happened as well and both facilities are now under a modified lockdown, during which out-of-cell time may be limited in the areas most impacted by the outbreaks.