Covid-19 prisoners cases rise to the highest level in North Dakota

Bismarck, North Dakota – The number of coronavirus cases involving inmates at the North Dakota State Penitentiary has risen to the highest level in the pandemic, according to state prisons authorities.

Active positives among inmates increased from 17 last week to 63 this week, according to officials with the North Dakota Department of Corrections. Active positives for employees increased from 14 last week to 19 on Monday.

“COVID spread in a congregated setting is extremely difficult to avoid,” Kayli Richards said, a corrections spokeswoman.

The prison is using the gym as an infirmary for Covid-19 positive prisoners since it has surpassed its isolation area.