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John Legend joined a chorus of prison reform advocates Tuesday, calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to release some inmates amidst the raging coronavirus pandemic. “The spread of coronavirus in jails and prisons threatens the health and safety of New Yorkers. When someone is incarcerated, there is no such thing as social distancing, and ensuring good …
John Legend joined a chorus of prison reform advocates Tuesday, calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to release some inmates amidst the raging coronavirus pandemic.
“The spread of coronavirus in jails and prisons threatens the health and safety of New Yorkers. When someone is incarcerated, there is no such thing as social distancing, and ensuring good hygiene is not an option,” the singer-songwriter said in a Twitter video posted Tuesday.
“Leaders must do everything possible to prevent incarcerated people, and those who work in prisons, from becoming ill and spending the virus.”
“Gov. Cuomo it’s time for action. You can make communities across New York safer and healthier by reducing the prison population,” he continued.
“You can grant immediate clemency to people who are close to their release date, incarcerated for parole violations or especially vulnerable because of their age or underlying health conditions.
“Gov. Cuomo, free them now. Thank you and hope you are having a good week, take care,” he added.
In late March, the Cuomo administration ordered the release of 1,100 low-level parole violators, citing concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
But advocacy groups have called for the state prison system to set free more prisoners that are either nearing their release date or living with preexisting conditions putting them at risk for contracting the virus.
As of April 14, state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirmed 618 employees, 150 incarcerated individuals and 24 parolees tested positive for COVID-19. One DOCCS employee has died thus far, as well as an additional four incarcerated individuals and four parolee deaths.
Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor, said in a statement: “We have continued to monitor the COVID situation as it affects every corner of our state — as it relates to our prisons, DOCCs has previously lifted all technical parole violation warrants for those who do not pose a threat to public safety; earlier today DOCCs began the process of releasing those with 90 days or less remaining on their sentence who are 55 years of age or older, and whose underlying crime was not a violent felony or a sex offense.”
