JACKSON, MS — FWD.us Mississippi State Director Alesha Judkins issued the following statement today after a coronavirus outbreak in a George County jail, where six incarcerated people and seven corrections officers have tested positive for COVID-19:

“Yet another frightening coronavirus outbreak has hit a Mississippi jail, endangering hundreds of people in custody, corrections employees, and their surrounding communities. Governor Tate Reeves continues to ignore warnings from health professionals, having failed to sign criminal justice reform legislation that would help curb the spread of COVID-19 by safely reducing jail and prison populations and reunite more Mississippians with their families, allowing them to social distance and stay home. It is vital that legislators override the governor’s veto to make SB 2123 law and save lives in Mississippi.

“SB2123 is critical legislation that will help protect thousands of Mississippians by expanding the opportunity to be considered for parole to more people. Without immediate action, thousands of Mississippians are at risk of illness and death. We urge Mississippi legislators to override the governor’s veto without delay.”