More than 100 inmates being released to help reduce risk of coronavirus outbreak at Oklahoma prisons

More than 100 inmates are expected to be released Thursday in an effort to reduce the chance of a coronavirus outbreak in Oklahoma prisons.Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Pardon and Parole Board are commuting 111 inmates Thursday. Originally, Stitt announced on April 10 that he approved more than 450 offenders for commutations help decrease prison overcrowding amid the coronavirus pandemic. KOCO 5 is working to find out why the number of inmates being released has changed. Officials said they are recommending inmates self-quarantine for a period of 14 days if they’re coming from a facility with a known case. The Department of Health is also working with the Department of Corrections to provide COVID-19 tests to anyone who needs one. According to the ODOC, one inmate and five employees have tested positive for the virus.Representatives with the ACLU of Oklahoma said the Pardon and Parole Board actually lessened how many were originally supposed to be released, saying it could be fewer than 100 getting released. We're following the numbers for you. Stay with KOCO 5 for updates.

More than 100 inmates are expected to be released Thursday in an effort to reduce the chance of a coronavirus outbreak in Oklahoma prisons.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Pardon and Parole Board are commuting 111 inmates Thursday. Originally, Stitt announced on April 10 that he approved more than 450 offenders for commutations help decrease prison overcrowding amid the coronavirus pandemic. KOCO 5 is working to find out why the number of inmates being released has changed.


Officials said they are recommending inmates self-quarantine for a period of 14 days if they’re coming from a facility with a known case. The Department of Health is also working with the Department of Corrections to provide COVID-19 tests to anyone who needs one.

According to the ODOC, one inmate and five employees have tested positive for the virus.

Representatives with the ACLU of Oklahoma said the Pardon and Parole Board actually lessened how many were originally supposed to be released, saying it could be fewer than 100 getting released.

We're following the numbers for you. Stay with KOCO 5 for updates.



