MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEAU) – Governor Evers says lockdowns at two of Wisconsin’s oldest and most understaffed prisons are being eased. It comes less than a month after inmates filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the conditions at one of the prisons amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

Evers announcement about the eased lockdowns at the Waupun and Green Bay prisons, as well as a host of other efforts, is meant to increase safety at all Wisconsin prisons, comes amid calls from advocates and families of inmates who say the current conditions are inhumane.

The Waupun, Green Bay and Stanley prisons have been under lockdown for months as the state grapples with deteriorating buildings and a worker shortage.