Major jump in coronavirus cases reported at California Men’s Colony

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - San Luis Obispo County reported 115 new coronavirus cases on Friday. Of those new cases, the majority were cases at the California Men's Colony, which is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19.

The county recorded 79 new cases at the state prison. The total number of positive cases at the prison now stands at 221.

The 79 cases reported Friday is the largest jump of cases at the prison to date.

Currently, there are 207 inmates at the prison who tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently considered infectious. Three inmates who had tested positive for the disease have been released, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

11 inmates at the prison are considered recovered.

The prison has a current inmate population of 3,418. More than half of all the inmates at the prison have been tested for COVID-19.

In addition to the inmates at the prison, 18 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus. Four of those employees have since returned to work.

The first positive case at the prison was reported back on April 11.

San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials say they are working closely with the CMC leadership team to manage the COVID-19 outbreak at the prison.

For a complete breakdown of coronavirus cases in San Luis Obispo County, click here.