The temporary release of low risk prisoners, introduced in April to reduce the virus’ impact on the prison estate, will be paused at the end of August. 

The scheme allowed for the early release of stringently assessed low-risk prisoners who were within two months of their release date. Other measures were also adopted to limit infections such as restricting movements between jails, an increase in staff testing and creating over 1,000 additional spaces. 

By August, just 250 prisoners had been released.

The decision to pause the temporary release of prisoners will be regularly reviewed. 

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