WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — With COVID-19 cases in Codington County at their highest levels since the pandemic began, the local jail is taking every step possible to keep the virus out of their facility.

Sheriff Brad Howell says they haven’t been completely COVID-free, but the numbers at the jail have been low.

Howell talked about some of the preventative measures they’re taking.

Howell says it’s important to note that they can’t turn inmates away, even if they’re a carrier of the virus.

As of Sunday, Codington County had 230 active cases of COVID-19.

Four people from the county have died from the virus since the pandemic began in March.