California has decided to release some 8,000 prisoners this season in order to have enough space available to curb the spread of Covid-19 between the inmates.
The decision follows a shocking report that showed more than three-quarters of the inmates and correctional facility workers testing positive for Covid-19. The crowded and inherently communal routine of a prison has been cited as the main reason behind this massive infection.
State officials announced that after they select which inmates are suitable and eligible for this release, they will conduct a test for every prisoner that is to be released as to ensure that they do not spread the virus to the outside.
Patient numbers who are currently in correctional facilities in California had drastically increased over the last two weeks. As of now, nearly 6,000 inmates and more than 1,200 staff members have tested positive for the virus in the state.
Ralph Diaz, who is leads the Department of Corrections in the state of California, said that this decision was made to protect the public health. Diaz also emphasized that public safety will also remain the department’s top priority during the whole process.
The first batch of prisoners that will be released are those who have 180 days or less left of their sentence. This means that up to 4,800 prisoners can be released by the end of this month.
Not all prisoners who are close to finishing their sentence is eligible for release. Those who have committed violent crimes, including domestic abuse, will not be released. Those who need to be registered as sex offenders are also not considered.
While there are those who worry about the risks to public safety that this release could cause, others recognized the value in reducing the number of prisoners. Not only are contractions between them dangerous, but also the staffs’ health and safety must be considered.
The massive outbreak at San Quentin is thought to have been caused by a similar outbreak in a smaller facility, where the transferal of prisoners brought the virus to the larger facility. It is a great example as to why there is a need to reduce prisoners during a pandemic.
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Replaced!