Four inmate COVID-19 related deaths reported in last 48 hours

Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Department of Corrections reported Tuesday four inmates died within the last 48 hours after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

According to CDOC, a 62-year-old inmate from the Fremont Correctional Facility, a 64-year-old from the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, and a 66-year-old inmate from the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility all passed away November 30.

CDOC also said a 74-year-old inmate from the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility died Tuesday, December 1.

Three of the four inmates were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at the time of their deaths. However, one inmate was no longer showing symptoms and the cause of death is still under investigation.

“We remain committed to fighting this virus with every tool we have, and we will continue to work with medical and public health experts to help prevent and mitigate the spread of this virus inside our facilities,” said Colorado Department of Corrections Executive Director Dean Williams. “Across the world, this insidious virus has taken hundreds of thousands of loved ones from their friends and family during the course of this pandemic. Unfortunately, our incarcerated population is no exception, and our thoughts are with all of the friends and family members of the incarcerated men who have died over the last 8 months.”

In a statement, the CDOC said they are regularly testing staff and inmates, requiring staff and inmates to wear face coverings, supplying face coverings to inmates and staff, and adding additional protective equipment as needed.

Throughout the course of the pandemic, the CDOC said it's conducted more than 95,000 tests. According to Public Information Officer Skinner, the current CDOC inmate population is 14,083 and currently, 1,558 inmates have COVID-19. In addition, out of 6,182 full-time staff, 207 have COVID-19.