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<p>In April we introduced the End of Custody Temporary Release (ECTR) scheme. It allowed
for the early release of stringently assessed low-risk prisoners who were within two
months of their release date. It freed up space across the estate so that all prisons
could effectively control the spread of the virus by quarantining new arrivals, isolating
those with symptoms and shielding vulnerable offenders. This was based on advice from
Public Health England and was necessary to protect life and avoid thousands of prisoners
becoming infected, overwhelming local NHS services.</p><p>The ECTR scheme was paused
in August, as it was no longer a necessary part of our overall response. Throughout
the pandemic our response has been based on public health advice, and this decision
will be kept under constant review over the coming weeks and months.</p>
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