You are reading

City is Likely to Release ‘Hundreds’ of Inmates As Coronavirus Spreads Through Jails

Photo: Stock Unsplash

March 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that the city is considering releasing “hundreds” of inmates to slow the spread of coronavirus at its prison facilities.

The move comes after the mayor announced last week that 40 inmates from Rikers Island were set to be released on Friday. On Sunday he announced a further 23 prisoners from the city’s jail system were to be let out.

“There’s another group of about 200 inmates we’re reviewing today with the NYPD,” de Blasio said, noting that he is looking to release hundreds of inmates.

The inmates being released are said to have health issues– or are old– making them particularly vulnerable should they contract novel coronavirus. Most have a low-risk of re-offending, de Blasio said.

Inmates who are very close to the end of their sentences are also being considered, he said.

“Those are the categories we’re looking at and we’re going to announce day by day the number of people we think is appropriate and there’s going to be some people it obviously will not be appropriate to release, and we’re going to try and strike that balance,” he added.

The NYPD and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice are making the recommendations that must be signed off on by the relevant district attorney.

There are over 5,000 inmates in New York City’s jail system, de Blasio said, half the number from six years ago.

Among them is Oscar-winning movie producer Harvey Weinstein who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Weinstein, 68, who was at Rikers has been moved to the state’s maximum-security Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York. He is one of two Wende inmates who have tested positive, officials said.

Weinstein was at Rikers Island after being handed down a 23-year sentence for rape and sexual assault in February.

The City announced Sunday that 29 inmates and 17 Department of Correction employees at Rikers have tested positive for coronavirus.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Poll: Should this Queens native run for mayor?

Feb. 5, 2025 By QNS News Team

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been rumored for months to be considering a run for mayor of New York City — and three straight polls suggest voters would easily back him over Mayor Eric Adams and the rest of the Democratic primary field.

Hundreds gather for Lunar New Year celebration at Queens Borough Hall

Feb. 5, 2025 By Athena Dawson

Hundreds of celebrants gathered at Queens Borough Hall’s Helen Marshall Cultural Center on Thursday, Jan 30, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Queens residents from the Asian diaspora came together to celebrate the festive holiday. Many locals donned red, a symbol of prosperity, and their traditional attire, including Korean hanbok, Chinese qipao, and Vietnamese áo dài. 

Run through the cold: 4 February races in Queens to help keep your New Year’s resolutions

Feb. 4, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

Amid the busy month of February, with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and even snow days, it can be easy to lose track of your running schedule. During these cold winter months, the urge to stay indoors and avoid the harsh winds is strong. However, having the support of friends, family, and the local community can be the motivation needed to lace up your running shoes and push forward. Stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions and sign up for these races in Queens this month, some of which benefit important causes.