An Atlanta Police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement released by APD March 21, marking the department’s first confirmed case.

 

The officer works in the department’s headquarters, which has been undergoing frequent cleanings by a decontamination company.

 

APD said that the officer has not been at work since March 11. After receiving confirmation of the positive test Friday, the department thoroughly cleaned the officer's work space and notified other colleagues.

 

507 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Georgia with 14 deaths as of noon March 21.

 

The Atlanta Police Department announced the measures it had taken to keep its personnel safe as the coronavirus spread in a statement released March 16. Non-essential workers were asked to telework, patrol cars and workspaces were to be sanitized frequently and officers were educated about the virus and ways to prevent it. EMS personnel were also asked to carefully evaluate emergency medical calls to determine if police officers needed to be dispatched.

 

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The department said there is currently no impact on its ability to respond to emergencies. The APD emphasized in its statement that a contingency plan had been put in place and illness among personnel was not only anticipated, but planned for. As the virus spreads, answering 911 calls will remain a priority for the department.

 

Tags: Coronavirus  Atlanta  Georgia  Macon  Savannah