Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a bill that will release thousands of inmates, beginning next month.

Certain inmates will get emergency public health credits because of the coronavirus pandemic, making them eligible for release Nov. 4.

Gov. Murphy says, "Thanks to the efforts of our correctional leadership, the COVID-19 positivity rate among our incarcerated population is at an impressive low of 0.09%. The threat of COVID-19 is still present. Reducing our prison population will undoubtedly further our mission to combat COVID-19. This law further reduces the prison population to allow for even more social distancing."