COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Testing on over 1,400 prisoners at the Lakeland Correctional Facility for COVID-19 by the Michigan Department of Corrections has concluded.
As of Sunday, there were 785 positive tests while 618 were negative.
The M.D.O.C. also announced on Sunday that a 12th prisoner at Lakeland has died from the virus. Another 15 prisoners remain in a step down unit and are no longer considered contagious.
M.D.O.C. Public Information Officer Chris Gautz says they are moving prisoners around to different units that are better equipped to meet their medical needs. Additionally, they are splitting the facility into separate units to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
They are also transferring prisoners who tested positive who have other underlying or chronic conditions to newer facilities that are near higher level medical facilities. For example, they have been moved closer to major hospitals in Ann Arbor or Lansing.
The largest percentage (~80%) of the positives are asymptomatic.
Gautz says prior to embarking on the mass testing the M.D.O.C. moved large shipments of PPE to ensure guards were protected and that their staff had full PPE for their interactions which ensured that it was contained and safe.
Gautz added they want to reassure everyone they have taken the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus into the community.
This article was originally written by Jim Measel
