DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are cutting the number of inmates in Iowa’s prisons and jails, citing concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus. Officials told The Des Moines Register COVID-19 has yet to be confirmed in any Iowa prison or jail. But an ACLU spokeswoman says it poses a particular menace to the overcrowded facilities, where there’s no ability to maintain social distance.

A spokesman says the Iowa Corrections Department is expediting the placement of about 700 prisoners who are approved for parole or work release. A judge has reduced terms for some jail inmates in Scott County.