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1st federal inmate dies from COVID-19 at La. prison

Inmate Patrick Jones, 49, started complaining of a persistent cough; officials said he had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions

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.

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