The first case of COVID-19 has hit Nebraska prisons.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes says a staff member at the State Penitentiary in Lincoln has tested positive, the first confirmed case of the virus among any inmates or staff.

We're told no one else who came into contact with the staffer have reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Frakes says a number of steps are being taken to stop any spread.

He tellsl us that yesterday staff members started wearing protective masks.

In addition the agency is awaiting an order of thermometers to detect possible fevers in staffers heading into work.

Frakes says an earlier order of thermometers was stolen during delivery.