COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) – A correctional officer at the Broad River Correctional Institution has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

This is the first department employee who’s tested positive, according to the department.

The officer was last at work Tuesday, March 17 and has been in self-isolation for 10 days.

The officer worked in a special-population housing unit with 16 inmates. All inmates were in single cells and aren’t showing any symptoms. The inmates are now being quarantined and will be in single cells for the next four days, which will complete the 14-day monitoring period.

A contact investigation is currently underway with the guidance of the South Carolina department of health and Environmental Control to find out whether staff members or other inmates were in close contact with this officer.

The department said the officer did exactly what the department has asked staff to do, which is to stay home if they’re sick and get tested if it’s recommended by their doctor.

Only essential personnel are allowed entrance to institutions. Everyone who enter or leaves an institution has their temperature taken and is screened for symptoms, according to the department.