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500 inmates could be released from North Carolina jails due to COVID-19

The state is considering the release of 500 offenders.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said it’s taking extraordinary measures to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus in prison facilities.

The state is considering the release of 500 offenders. The state released six female offenders who are either pregnant or 65 or older and in the high-risk category as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

State officials said of the 500 being considered, the offender cannot have been convicted of a violent crime against a person and must fall within one of the following categories:

  • Pregnant offenders
  • Offenders age 65 and older with underlying health conditions
  • Female offenders age 50 and older with health conditions and a release date in 2020
  • Offenders age 65 and older with a release date in 2020
  • Offenders already on home leave with a release date in 2020
  • Offenders on work release with a release date in 2020

More than 35 offenders among six separate facilities have tested positive for COVID-19. Twenty staff at ten facilities have also self-reported positive test results for COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS NEWS 

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FACTS NOT FEAR

Remember facts, not fear when talking about the coronavirus. You should take the same measures recommended by health leaders to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses. That means washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes.

RELATED: Facts Not Fear | What you need to know about the COVID-19 outbreak

WHERE YOU GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS IS IMPORTANT

It is important to make sure the information you are getting about the coronavirus is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. Be careful not to spread misinformation about coronavirus on social media.

For more information visit the CDC OR NCDHHS

NC CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE 

The state also has a special hotline set up where you can call 2-1-1 or 866-462-3821 for more information on the coronavirus. You can also submit questions online at ncpoisoncontrol.org or select chat to talk with someone about the virus.

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