DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Corrections says it's releasing 482 inmates early to reduce overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department director Beth Skinner says another 90 state prison inmates are approved for future release.
The department reported the first COVID-19/coronavirus case of an inmate over the weekend. The prisoner is at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC) in Coralville. One correctional officer at the same location tested positive for the virus the week before. Skinner announced Monday that a second officer who had been around that person has also tested positive.
All inmates at the Coralville prison are now required to wear masks after the positive inmate case was reported. The face mask requirement is extended to staff members, and temperatures are checked twice daily for fever. Inmates with COVID-19 symptoms are quarantined.