By Sarah Calams
OAKDALE, La. — The first federal inmate died Saturday after contracting COVID-19 at a Louisana prison.
Inmate Patrick Jones, 49, was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to FOX News. A week ago, officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Jones started complaining of a “persistent” cough.
He was evaluated by the medical staff at the Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale. He was eventually taken to a hospital for further evaluation, where he tested positive for COVID-19.
“On Saturday, Mr. Jones, who had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions which the CDC lists as risk factors for developing more severe COVID-19 disease, was pronounced dead by hospital staff,” officials said in a news release.
Federal officials also said that five additional inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Federal Correctional Institution in Oakdale. Currently, a total of 13 staff members and 14 inmates have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.