MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. — The pandemic put a hold on construction at the Marshall County Sheriff's Office.
The jail had to convert one block into an isolation area for inmates, halting construction in that block. The isolation block will only be used if the virus makes its way into the jail.
The project manager put together a bid package to bring forward to the Marshall County Commission. The funds would allow the jail to finish the construction project.
The Marshall County Jail has the capacity to hold 196 people. Sheriff Phil Sims says they are keeping around 240 to 250 inmates during the pandemic.
In January 2019, the jail was holding just over 300 people.
Even though they've managed to keep their inmate numbers down during the pandemic, Sims says the delay in construction, along with having to house state inmates, is causing more overcrowding in the jail.
"Every sheriff's office is the same as we are. We're having to hold state inmates. Normally, they're supposed to be out of here within 30 days, but we have some that's been here longer than 180," said Sheriff Sims.
There have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Marshall County Jail. They have not had to use their isolation area.
Sheriff Sims says they are deep cleaning the jail often to prevent the spread of the virus.
WATCH: Marshall County Jail construction was on track in April