All NC prison inmates being tested for coronavirus

The process is expected to take 60 days to complete and cost about $3.3 million, Ishee said. Testing is already underway at Albermarle Correctional Institution in Stanly County, he said.

To date, 718 inmates in 15 prisons statewide have tested positive for the virus, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Five inmates have died.

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Ishee said a change in testing guidelines by the state Department of Health and Human Services prompted the decision to test all 31,200 inmates in the state system.

"Our top priority is everyone's health and their safety – and I mean everyone," he said at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

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So far, a little more than 2,800 inmates have been tested, and of the 718 positive results, 635 are presumed to have recovered, having met state and federal guidelines to be released from isolation, Ishee said.

DPS last month launched a free coronavirus testing program for the prison system's 21,000 employees. Tests are available at FastMed urgent care clinics statewide.

The state doesn't disclose the number of prison employees who have tested positive.

DPS has faced criticism for its testing policies, including from the State Employees Association of North Carolina, which lobbies on behalf of state employees.