County jail gets first COVID-19 case

An inmate at the Flathead County Detention Center has tested for COVID-19.

According to Sheriff Brian Heino, the man was booked into the jail in the last week and the positive test was confirmed Friday. It is the first positive case of a jail inmate.

“We’ve had some false positives in the past, but this is the first case which has been confirmed,” Heino said. “We are working closely with the Health Department and taking the appropriate precautions to keep staff, inmates and the community safe.”

Heino said the man is in isolation and is being monitored by medical staff. Detention officers who had contact with the man are also being monitored.

He explained the jail’s procedures in dealing with incoming inmates to the jail.

“All our staff wear personal protective equipment,” Heino said. “When new inmates come into the jail we are able to separate them into a unit before going to general population. After 10 to 14 days and they are determined to not be positive, they can be moved.”

He also said air purification units are being used and cleaning of the facility has been done.

Heino said with the dramatic increase in cases he anticipates more inmates having the virus.

“But we’ll keep doing what we need to do to limit the spread,” Heino said.

Heino said visiting will remain open with the restriction of two visitors per inmate.