A Chicago police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, Interim Supt. Charlie Beck said in a letter transmitted to CPD employees around 11:30 this morning. The affected officer is assigned to a detective unit that is based at the department’s Homan Square facility, 1011 South Homan, according to a report. Beck did not confirm that detail in his message.
The department learned of the officer’s condition today, Beck said, adding that the officer last worked on Sunday.
“This individual will remain at home on quarantine until a clean bill of health has been issued,” Beck wrote. “All members who work in close contact with this individual have been notified and advised to continue to report for work and self-monitor for any symptoms.”
The department will “conduct a thorough cleaning and continued disinfection of the facility where the employee was stationed,” including their work area and any vehicles and equipment the officer may have used, according to Beck.
CPD officers are being told to stay home from work if they have a temperature above 100.4° or if they experience a cough or shortness of breath, which are all symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
“The health and wellness of our police officers and CPD staff are the Department’s highest priority,” Beck told the department. “I want to thank you all for your continued and dedicated service to the City of Chicago and its residents.”
The text of Beck’s message is reprinted below:
Dear Members,
Our highest priority remains the health and well-being of the Department. I am writing to update you on the latest development regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We were alerted today that a member has tested positive for COVID-19.
The affected Member’s last day of work was Sunday. This individual will remain at home on quarantine until a clean bill of health has been issued. All members who work in close contact with this individual have been notified and advised to continue to report for work and self-monitor for any symptoms.
To further ensure the health and safety of our employees, the Department will conduct a thorough cleaning and continued disinfection of the facility where the employee was stationed, as well as the work area, vehicles and any equipment utilized by the individual.
CPD continues to work closely with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as we ensure proper protocols and preventative measures are in place for the health and safety of our Members. We are also giving updates to the Department’s doctor.
If you feel ill, contact CPD’s Medical Section at [deleted]. We will continue to ensure all of you receive regular updates throughout this difficult time.
Stay well,
Charlie Beck
Interim Superintendent
Chicago Police DepartmentPublic Health Guidance for our CPD Members:
If you have a fever (oral temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, or mild shortness of breath, you should stay home from work.
If your symptoms are severe, such as difficult, rapid, or labored breathing; blueness around your mouth or nails; and/or severe dehydration (dry mouth, pale skin and nails, no tears or urine), please seek the closest emergency department or call 911 immediately.
Please email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit http://Chicago.gov/coronavirus if you have additional COVID-19 questions or need support. The Department will provide updates as we receive more information from public health officials.
For the most reliable information, please visit http://chicago.gov/coronavirus or http://cdc.gov/coronavirus.
The health and wellness of our police officers and CPD staff are the Department’s highest priority and I want to thank you all for your continued and dedicated service to the City of Chicago and its residents.
