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DRAPER — Two inmates at the Utah State Prison have died after testing positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths at the prison to nine, according to the Utah Department of Corrections.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, corrections officials said one incarcerated individual, a 70-year-old, died on Nov. 23 and was hospitalized at the time of death. The other incarcerated individual, a 48-year-old, died on Nov. 25 and was also hospitalized at the time of death. No further details about the individuals were given.
According to corrections officials, both inmates were housed in and followed by medical staff at the Oquirrh 5 facility before their hospitalizations.
On Tuesday, an incarcerated individual in the Oquirrh 2 facility reported symptoms and was rapidly tested by medical staff, the statement from the corrections department says. The test was positive for COVID-19, and staff immediately began protocols as well as larger-scale testing.
Other inmate deaths include an inmate in Utah State Prison who died on Nov. 4 and another inmate who died on Nov.11 after testing positive for COVID-19.
Corrections officials report that medical staff are always available and have an active presence in units at least twice a day to check in with incarcerated individuals.
There are 560 active cases of COVID-19 between the Utah State Prison, Central Utah Correctional Facility, and state inmates housed at a county jail, according to the corrections department. It lists outbreaks in these areas: Oquirrh 5, Oquirrh 2, Promontory, Lone Peak, Wasatch (Dog-Block), Ironwood, Henry (Dogwood) and Boulder (Fir, Gale, and Hickory).
The corrections department's COVID-19 dashboard is currently reporting a total of 1,289 positive COVID-19 test results in the facilities.
Due to the outbreak, all visits — including volunteer and religious services — have been suspended until Dec. 1.
