Maryland releases some youths from detention facilities

BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland has released about 200 youths from state juvenile detention facilities because of concerns about the coronavirus.

The Baltimore Sun reported Monday that nearly a third of the state’s detained juvenile population was reduced.

The releases were announced by Maryland’s secretary of juvenile services during a virtual meeting of the House of Delegates’ Judiciary Committee.

Secretary Sam J. Abed said the releases were in response to court rulings that emphasized the need to keep kids safe during the pandemic.

Those who were released were mostly being held on nonviolent and misdemeanor charges.

Abed said that five youths in the state’s facilities have tested positive for the virus. All five have recovered. He also said that 11 staff members have been infected. Three have recovered.