Lake County jail inmates, staff test positive for virus

The Lake County Detention Center reported Monday that four inmates and one staff member have contracted COVID-19.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, during a routine medical check of Lake County Detention inmates, a COVID-19 test was administered to four inmates who were exhibiting mild cold-like symptoms. About 48 hours later, the test results were confirmed positive.

According to Bell, the four inmates are all contained within the same cell block and were the only inmates in that particular block.

Bell also reported all other inmates have been tested and they are awaiting those results. No other inmates are exhibiting symptoms, and the four who are positive continue to exhibit only minor symptoms.

Bell also said one staff member has tested positive and his office is awaiting testing results of other staff members.

Bell said since the onset of the virus this spring, the detention center has followed or surpassed all guidelines given by health officials. With the known presence of COVID-19 in the jail, enhanced protocol has been implemented, he said.

Lake County has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases recently, similar to many other counties in Montana.

According to Montana statistics, the county has 451 total cases with 203 active. Twenty-four new cases were reported Monday, Oct. 19.

Overall, the state is reporting 442,366 tests with a total of 23,390 positive cases. There were 9,611 active cases statewide on Monday with 339 hospitalizations.

Neighboring detention centers also have reported inmates that have tested positive for COVID-19. Two inmates tested positive in Missoula County in August, while Flathead County had one inmate test positive earlier this month.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or shindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.