By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Sheriff's Office reported on Aug. 7 that the county jail was experiencing a cluster of COVID-19 related illnesses. The virus affected both staff and inmates. Four individuals associated with the facility tested positive for the virus.
Jail visitation was cancelled and the use of inmate workers was suspended.
On Monday, Aug. 16, Sheriff Brian Bellendir updated members of the Barton County Commission about conditions at the jail.
"We have not had any new cases at the jail," said Bellendir. "My inmates come off quarantine this week. I'll probably leave the jail locked down until I know that we are clear for sure."
Bellendir said that every inmate is issued a mask and that jail employees are fogging the facility again to reduce the exposure to the virus.