An Atlanta police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the department announced Saturday.
In a statement, agency spokesman Carlos Campos said the officer worked at Atlanta police headquarters. It is the first known case within the department.
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“APD has had ongoing cleanings by a professional decontamination company being done at our worksites throughout the city,” Campos said. “On Friday, given this development, we made cleaning of the area where the officer worked a priority. The officer has not been to work since March 11. Commanders have spoken to the colleagues of the individual who tested positive so they are aware of the situation. It is important that the public understand that APD has a contingency plan in place, knowing that at some point it was likely the virus would affect our personnel.”
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The department’s ability to respond to emergencies has not been affected, he said.
Police did not say whether the officer exhibited any symptoms at work, or if they came in contact with residents in their day-to-day duties.
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