The UK's Ministry of Justice cited similar action carried out recently in France, where around 5,000 prisoners were granted early release amid the the pandemic.
ADVERTISEMENTThe UK is set to temporarily release thousands of prisoners across the country in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Inmates will need to undergo risk assessments and be within two months of their official release dates to meet the requirements for the action, which will begin as early as next week.
No high-risk offenders - such as those convicted for violent and sexual crimes, will be considered, nor will those jailed for coronavirus-related crimes, which includes coughing at emergency workers.
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Speaking to Euronews on Saturday, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said up to 4,000 prisoners could be eligible for release under the new measures.
A further statement confirmed that this would not happen all at once, but would "phased over time".
It added: "Prisoners who pass the stringent criteria for release will be subject to strict conditions, and will be electronically monitored, including with GPS tags, to enforce the requirement to stay at home.
"They can be immediately recalled to prison for breaching these conditions or committing further offences."
As of Saturday, 88 inmates and 15 prison staff in the UK have tested positive for COVID-19.
The MoJ, which cited similar cases in France and Germany releasing prisoners, said it was still working to limit the spread of the illness inside its facilities.
It added that inmates were now being moved, where possible, into cells alone in order to put in place advised social distancing measures.
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Robert Buckland, the UK's lord chancellor and justice secretary, said the "unprecedented" decision had been made to ultimately avoid placing extra pressure on the country's healthcare service.
He said: "This government is committed to ensuring that justice is served to those who break the law.
"But this is an unprecedented situation because if coronavirus takes hold in our prisons, the NHS could be overwhelmed and more lives put at risk.
ADVERTISEMENT"All prisoners will face a tough risk assessment and must comply with strict conditions, including an electronic tag, while they are closely monitored.
"Those that do not will be recalled to prison."
More than a milion people around the world have been confirmed have caught the virus, while more than 55,000 people have lost their lives.
Europe remains the worst-hit area of the world, accounting for more than 35,000 deaths.
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