Inmate In SoCal State Prison Dies Of The Coronavirus

Despite some efforts to reduce prison populations and limit outside contact, the first inmate at a state prison has died of COVID-19 complications.

The unidentified inmate died at an outside hospital but prison officials said he had been incarcerated at the California Institution for Men in Chino.

His death renewed calls by prison reform activists for more prisoners to be released. Kate Chatfield with the reform group The Justice Collaborative told us:

To slow the virus’ spread, California has granted early release to 3,500 prisoners in the state system, among other steps. But inmates tell us they’re still living in crowded dorms. Activists want more releases.

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• State Prison Inmate Dies of COVID-19

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