Officials with the Cambria County Prison confirmed Tuesday that the prison is dealing with a recent “uptick” in COVID cases among inmates and staff.
Prison Warden Christian Smith says that, currently, 14 inmates and five staff members have tested positive for the virus.
Smith adds that all of the current inmate cases have come from two, dormitory-style housing units where close contact is “unavoidable.”
Officials say those inmates who have tested positive have been isolated from other inmates, and anyone who may have been exposed is in quarantine.
Prison officials say the inmates continue to receive daily treatment and are tested on a regular basis.
The prison says that masking in the two units has also been reinstated.
Prison officials also explained that the medical care provider, PrimeCare Medical, offers vaccine clinics for inmates interested in receiving a COVID vaccine.
However, officials note that the clinics are only held when there is enough interest from the inmate population, as to not waste any vaccinations.
To date, since the start of the pandemic, prison officials say the facility has reported 648 total positive cases among staff, inmates and contract staff.