DOC reports inmate death at Faribault prison, inmate tested positive for COVID-19

A 70-year-old man incarcerated at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault who was recently tested positive for COVID-19 died at District One Hospital, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

In a statement about the death, Commissioner Paul Schnell said:

"This man’s death is another sad reminder of the risks and challenges of preventing and managing virus infection and spread in a correctional setting."

“Even as we see the release of new vaccines, we cannot let down our guard. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of this man, and we remain committed to doing all we can to prevent the spread of COVID in our facilities,” Schnell said.

The identity of the man is being withheld pending full notification of next of kin.

MCF-Faribault is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Health to finalize its vaccination plan for its incarcerated population and employees. The vaccine will be provided in phases as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health. The complete distribution plan is currently being finalized.

This is the 9th COVID-related death of an incarcerated person in the Minnesota DOC system since the pandemic began. It is the fifth death from MCF-Faribault. Faribault currently has 272 COVID-positive incarcerated people and 43 COVID-positive staff.

There are 1,763 people currently incarcerated at MCF-Faribault.

To read the specific steps to stop any spread of COVID-19 inside MCF-Faribault, click here.