Jails are becoming increasingly overcrowded as the spread of COVID-19 continues to spread across the state. The state is taking steps to help stop the spread. Leslie county detention center is now placed on lockdown.

“They don’t want any chance of them having contact with people,” said Leslie County Jailer Danny Clark.

“When we do get new intakes they have to stay up front in a smaller cell for 14 days before they are cleared to go to the back,” said Clark.

Inmates are no longer being transferred to other prisons, and those recently arrested are given a full medical exam before entering.

Outside work programs have also been shut down across the state. Inmates inside of the Leslie county detention center are now working from inside the jail.

“We’ve got them cleaning just about round the clock keeping everything wiped down,” said Clark.

Clark also said that the Department of Corrections is starting to look over inmate files to see who could possibly be released early to avoid overcrowding.

“I hope they pay a lot of attention to those inmates that are 60 and above,” said Clark.