The Illinois Department of Corrections has confirmed the first inmate has died at the Centralia Correctional Center as a result of a COVID-19 related illness.
Spokesperson Lindsey Hess says the inmate was in his 60s and died at a hospital on October 26th. She reports the prison has now had 48 offenders and 15 staff test positive during the recent outbreak of the coronavirus disease.
Hess says the prison is working to control the outbreak. If an offender develops any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 they are assumed to be at high risk for the disease, and pursuant to CDC and IDPH guidelines, these individuals are isolated and tested.
To manage outbreaks, the Department utilizes rapid result testing in asymptomatic and potentially exposed offenders to determine if they are positive. Additionally, exposed asymptomatic offenders are quarantined and monitored for symptoms.
The death was one of two reported by the Clinton County Health Department on Tuesday. The other was a male in his 80s who lived in a long term care facility. The two deaths bring to 28 the total number who have died after becoming infected with COVID-19.
The Jefferson County Health Department also reported a death today. A male in his 70s who is the 43rd death in the county.
Wayne County Health Department reported its 16th death. It was a male in his 90s.
