HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A federal judge is set to hear arguments in a lawsuit designed to force the state to better protect prison inmates from the coronavirus.

U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton will hold the hearing by video conference next Friday.

The ACLU of Connecticut is asking the court to order emergency actions that could include releasing more inmates to protect them from the pandemic.

The state Department of Correction says it has taken steps to limit exposure to the virus, including placing prisoners who have tested positive in isolation at the maximum-security Northern Correctional Institution.