ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — An inmate at Alexander Correctional Institution who tested positive for COVID-19 has died after being taken to a hospital, state officials confirmed on Thursday.
Officials said the inmate, whose name was not released, had pre-existing conditions.
“We continue to work hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. “The health and safety of the staff and the offender population continues to be our top priority.”
Officials said he was in his early 50s and had underlying health conditions.
[ ALSO READ: Number of inmates infected with COVID-19 at Meck County Jail decreases ]
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, the inmate tested positive on Dec. 30 and was hospitalized the same day. His condition worsened, and he died on Wednesday.
No other information was released.
This browser does not support the video element.