In the News

Two Miami cops test positive for COVID-19

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article241535671.html

By Bianca Ocasio

Two City of Miami police officers have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Both officers are isolated and in “good spirits,” and are currently experiencing “mild effects” from the virus, Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina said.

“The Miami Police Department is committed to supporting both officers through the recovery process and will take all possible measures to minimize the risk of secondary exposures,” Colina said.

Having anticipated potential exposure, the department was screening officers at the start of each shift and reporting any relevant symptoms to minimize the spread of the infection, he added. He said the two officers went into isolation immediately after reporting their symptoms and were tested promptly.

The department did not release any additional information on the two officers or whether they had had any contact with the public.

The Miami-Dade Police Department has taken a similar approach, screening officers before the start of every shift. Other law enforcement agencies, like Miami Beach and Coral Gables police departments, are following social distancing guidelines.

As of Thursday afternoon, over 2,300 people in Florida have tested positive for the virus and the death toll has swelled to 28.