Bloomfield, MO - It has been reported by the Stoddard County Health Department and the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department that several inmates at the Stoddard County Jail have tested positive with COVID-19.

According to Ben Godwin, Stoddard County Health Department Director, "They are in the process of testing all inmates with Covid-19 Rapid Tests as we have had positive cases among the inmates in the jail yesterday and today."

Carl Hefner, Stoddard County Sheriff commented, "As of Monday, July 26th we have confirmed there are active COVID-19 cases in the Stoddard County Jail. Since the COVID outbreak began we at the Stoddard County Jail have taken precautions in preventing COVID from being in our jail. Even with the precautions taken it was inevitable that COVID would get in our jail facility. We have been very fortunate to this point to not have had any cases in our jail."

The Stoddard County Sheriff's Department is currently working on a testing plan for the inmates and staff.

Hefner would like to reassure the public that if you are in need of law enforcement, please do not hesitate to contact them.

"We will continue to offer our services regardless of the situation in the jail," continued Hefner.  "We will strive to keep our community safe from a law enforcement standpoint as well as keeping our citizens safe from COVID. Any of our staff that are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID are required to obtain a COVID test before returning to work so the citizens can feel safe."