(CNN) Prison and jail populations across the United States are becoming a breeding ground for the coronavirus, sickening thousands of inmates and detainees as well as the staff and employees that work in the facilities.

While measures have been put in place to try and stop the spread the virus, it is difficult to contain such a contagious illness in congregate settings where people are forced to live, work and eat in close quarters.

More than 2,300 cases across three prisons

Across three state prison facilities in Ohio, more than 2,300 inmates have tested positive, with 1,858 testing positive at one prison alone.

On Saturday the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction reported more than 1,400 inmates had tested positive at the Marion Correctional Institution, the Pickaway Correctional Institution and Franklin Medical Center.

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