Claremont Police Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus

Press release from the City of Claremont:

August 08, 2020

The Claremont Police Department (CPD) has continued to adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic with guidance from the Federal, State, and Los Angeles County Public Health Officials. Our Police Department has implemented protocols and best practices to help reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of COVID-19 to help safeguard the health and safety of our Claremont Police Department personnel and the community we serve.

Some of the implemented protocols and safeguards within the Claremont Police Department include:

The implementation of a daily infection/temperature check on all personnel prior to entering Police Station facility and/or reporting for work each day.

Staggered work schedules for CPD personnel, including opposite patrol shifts, telecommuting for Detective Bureau and administrative employees to limit cross contamination and increase physical distancing.

Limited restricted access to Police Department facilities such as the lobby

Limiting access to areas of the station based on assignment.

Increased procurement and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as cleaning and disinfecting products (i.e. hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.) to all CPD personnel.

Increased cleaning of all Police Station facilities and frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, including our jail facility.

The implementation of a policy requiring all CPD personnel to don face coverings while in the common areas of the police station and during all public contacts within 6 feet.

The use of video conferencing to facilitate virtual meetings and department intercommunications to increase physical distancing.

Phone reporting to limit physical interactions.

“The men and woman of the Claremont Police Department work 24/7 to provide critical and essential services to our community. Working in consultation with the County and State, we established safety protocols to minimize the possible spread of COVID-19 which we have been adhering to since March. Unfortunately, several members of our department have tested positive for COVID-19 this week. These employees and employees in contact with them have been tested and quarantined. We are focused on the health and safety of our employees while we continue to protect and serve our community,” said Chief Shelly VanderVeen.

Over the last ten days, two dispatchers developed flu-like symptoms and tested positive to the COVID-19 virus. During that same timeframe, an officer also developed flu-like symptoms and tested positive.

Upon identifying an outbreak of COVID-19 (defined as three or more cases), the Police Department immediately directed all appropriate administrative staff to telecommute to minimize personal contact between department members and notified the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Claremont Police Department employees who were potentially exposed to the staff members are being quarantined and tested.

After the testing was completed, two additional employees (a Records Clerk and a Police Officer) tested positive for the virus. With one officer testing positive over one month ago, the total positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic for the Police Department is six.

At this time, the Claremont Police Department will continue to work diligently with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19. It is our goal to continue to provide the highest level of safety and service while preserving the health and well-being of our personnel and our community.

This press release was produced by the City of Claremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.