Ten inmate deaths reported at Virginia prison from COVID-19, officials say

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Officials in Virginia say 10 inmates have died at a prison where elderly and vulnerable inmates are being held.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the death occurred at Deerfield Correctional Center, which has an assisted living unit and infirmary and holds many of the state prison system’s elderly and medically impaired offenders.

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Many of the inmates at Deerfield sleep in dormitories, making social distancing difficult if not impossible.

Figures posted on a website Tuesday also showed that 36 staff members at Deerfield also currently are positive for COVID-19.

Staff from other prisons have been brought in to help run Deerfield.