Nash Correctional inmate's death linked to COVID-19

MOMEYER — A Nash Correctional Institution inmate died Monday after testing positive for the novel coronavirus last week.

The inmate, who had existing health problems, died in a hospital, said John Bull, a spokesman for the N.C. Department of Public Safety.

"We continue to work hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons," said state Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee. "The health and safety of the staff and the offender population is our top priority."

The inmate, a man in his early 70s, tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 8 and was hospitalized the next day, Bull said.

"His condition worsened, and he died on Feb. 15," Bull said. "Given his family's right to privacy and the confidentiality of prison offender records, the Department of Public Safety will not further identify the individual."

The Nash prison has 92 active COVID-19 cases, which represents 15% of the prison population. More than 600 inmates have been tested, yielding 488 positive results and 174 negative results. More than 300 inmates are presumed to have recovered from the virus, according to information provided by the state.

Bull said N.C. Division of Adult Corrections leadership has taken more than four dozen actions throughout the entire prison system to prevent the virus' spread. Actions include a program to encourage COVID-19 vaccination by offering incentives to eligible inmates.

"The one-time incentives include five days of sentence credits, four additional visits with clergy or regular visitors, one phone call and an earlier return to job or program," according to the Department of Public Safety website.

Visit the shortened link https://bit.ly/2LYXpIM to review the state prison system's full list of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.