N.W.T. releases 7 prisoners, reduces remand amid COVID-19 concerns

The Northwest Territories government says it has released a small number of prisoners over concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19 in territorial jails.

Justice Minister Caroline Wawzonek outlines the move herterritory is making in a letter to Edmonton defence lawyer Tom Engel.

She says seven inmates all with less than three months left ontheir sentences have been granted temporary absences.

Wawzonek says she's working with prosecutors to ensure only thoseconsidered a threat to public safety are taken into remand.

The government and prosecutors are also reviewing everyonealready in remand to see if anybody would be eligible for an interim release and bail package.

COVID-19 in jails has become increasingly pressing across thecountry, especially after inmates in a Quebec prison were found tohave contracted the novel coronavirus.