Until now, there have been 41,903 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country.

3 inmates died after contracting coronavirus, and 88 prisoners and 15 staff have tested positive for the virus, the Justice Ministry said.

4,000 prisoners in England and Wales will be released from prisoners in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus, the government said.

“This action being taken is necessary to avoid thousands of prisoners becoming infected, overwhelming local NHS services. This is due to the close proximity between prisoners, who often share cells,” the government noted.

No high-risk offenders, including those convicted of violent or sexual offences, anyone of national security concern or a danger to children, will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at least half their custodial term.

Additionally, no offender convicted of COVID-19 related offences, including coughing at emergency workers or stealing personal protective equipment, will be eligible. (ILKHA)