Baltimore County Announces Two First Responders Tested Positive for COVID-19
Ensuring Proper Precautions to Protect Personnel
Baltimore County officials today announced that a member of the Baltimore County Police Department and a member of the Baltimore County Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19. These are the first Baltimore County public safety personnel to test positive for the virus.
"I am grateful for the dedication of the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our first responders," County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. "We will continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state and local health officials as we work to serve those who serve us throughout this rapidly evolving public health crisis."
Baltimore County Police Department officials were notified today that one officer has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is recovering and is currently in self-quarantine.
"Unfortunately, we just received confirmation regarding our first positive COVID-19 case of one of our officers. Our police officers are on the front lines in our community each day during this pandemic. Please continue to keep our officer in your thoughts during recovery," said Police Chief Melissa Hyatt. "We ask that the community continues to assist us in staying safe by remaining home and meeting our officers outside on calls for service whenever possible. We will continue to take all possible precautions to keep both our workforce and our community safe."
Baltimore County Fire Department officials were notified today that one member of Fire Department Support Services has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has mild symptoms and is currently in self-quarantine.
"The health and well-being of our members is of utmost importance," said Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund. "Our residents depend on us to be there for them, and those of us on the front lines of this pandemic need to take care of ourselves in order to do that."
Both the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Fire Department are coordinating with the Department of Health to ensure proper precautions are taken to protect other Department personnel and members of the public. Both Departments are following health department guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing work areas and equipment. Other steps include use of appropriate personal protective equipment and daily "healthy check-ins" for all employees to ensure anyone with symptoms of illness is sent home.
The Baltimore County Health Department, in coordination with state health officials, has initiated contact trace investigations for both cases to help determine any contacts each individual may have had and to take appropriate precautions as needed to limit the spread of the virus.