Coronavirus Strikes Palm Springs Police, 10 Officers Quarantined

PALM SPRINGS, CA — A Palm Springs police officer who works graveyard patrol has tested positive for coronavirus and is being quarantined, and nine other officers are also being kept off the job after being exposed to him, the department announced Tuesday afternoon.

"Unfortunately, we were notified this past weekend that one of our police officers tested positive for COVID-19. The officer unfortunately learned of the exposure while at work and has been quarantined away from work and his family for the next 14 days," the announcement read.

Nine other Palm Springs police officers who had contact with the infected officer are also being quarantined, although none are presumptive positive cases, according to the department.

The department said it has also reached out to all members of the public who may have had contact.

The quarantine of 10 officers is having "a significant impact" on the department's overall operations, according to the announcement.

The infected officer was assigned to a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. graveyard patrol unit.

"Our agency has prepared for the loss of an entire shift and has made contingencies in staffing that will allow us to continue to serve the public without interruption," the department said.

When the Palm Springs Police Department became aware of COVID-19, officials worked to ensure employees had personal protective equipment, the department said.

"PSPD is currently tracking the most recent information to understand how it is affecting our workforce. Please keep our officers in your thoughts as they recover from COVID-19 and for those who have been separated from their friends and family for the next two weeks," the announcement said. "We will keep the public posted on the recovery and return of our staff."