The coronavirus has shuttered schools, crippled businesses, and forced millions to shelter at home. Yet, somehow, some people still think that incarcerated individuals and the essential workers who work within our prisons and jails should not be protected from the virus’s effects.

In recent months, numerous pundits on the Right have condemned moves to shrink the incarcerated population in light of the coronavirus as “pro criminal” and “progressive.” But these declarations are false and miss the mark. We should applaud, not condemn, conservative leaders using smart-on-crime policies to protect public health.