SEATTLE (AP) — Washington officials say they’ll release nearly 1,000 inmates serving time for nonviolent offenses to create more space in its prisons after a coronavirus outbreak spread in Monroe Correctional Facility.
The move disclosed Monday came after the state Supreme Court responded to an emergency motion filed by a group of offenders and ordered Gov. Inslee and corrections Secretary Stephen Sinclair to submit a plan.
At least 14 corrections employees and eight inmates have tested positive for the virus in Washington’s prisons.