Criminal justice reform advocates are calling for the release of people from county jails and state prisons as the coronavirus spreads.

Their long list of requests includes wanting elderly prisoners, prisoners with immune deficiencies and people on the verge of release out of state prisons. They’re also calling for the Pardon and Parole Board to expedite releases for people who might already be eligible for shortened sentences.

Kris Steele, leader of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform says incarcerated people are at high risk of spreading the virus.

People experiencing homelessness are already a vulnerable population, and even more so during a global pandemic.

Oklahoma City nonprofits are ramping up street outreach and coordinating teams to deliver food, supplies and COVID-19 education materials to people who are unsheltered. Kinsey Crocker, the communications director for The Homeless Alliance, says the outreach efforts are critical.

As school districts attempt to make a transition to distance learning, one resource they can turn to is Oklahoma’s Statewide Virtual Charter School Board.

The board has long helped smaller districts connect to vendors of virtual schooling through its Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program. Now that program will likely be kicked into overdrive.