Lexington County Detention Center will release 7 defendants this week.

More will be released in the coming weeks.

SC Supreme Court Justice Donald Beatty ordered anyone charged with a noncapital crime as the Covid-19 response continues "shall be released pending trial on his own recognizance."

That's unless the detainee is an unreasonble danger to the community or is an extreme flight risk.

Inmates incarcerated before the Covid-19 outbreak are also affected by the order, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said Thursday.

"All county magistrates are vigilantly monitoring the judicial branch's response to Covid-19 and how we can work with others in the justice system to ensure the safety and security of our citizens," Lexington County Chief Magistrate Rebecca Adams said.

Sheriff Koon said each release will be handled on the basis of a court order when it comes to who gets out and when.