Tampa Police Officer Positive For Coronavirus; 15 In Isolation

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan announced Thursday that a police officer, who was hired in August, has tested positive for coronavirus.

The officer worked March 15 and became ill while off work. On March 18, the officer contacted the department's occupational nurse and immediately self-quarantined. The police officer was placed in a doctor's care who subsequently administered a coronavirus test, which came back positive.

Dugan said the officer's condition is improving. At this time, there are no other reports of symptoms in members from the same squad.

The police department, in conjunction with the occupational nurse, are monitoring all sworn and non-sworn Tampa Police personnel.

Dugan said 44 department employees are being monitored and 35 are in self-isolation. Fifteen of those in self-isolation were exposed in the line of duty; seven on a cruise; and three while traveling out of the country.

There are nine more officers who are awaiting test results.

“This is a public health issue that has bled over into law enforcement,” Dugan said. “There's no way cops can do their jobs without potentially being exposed to this virus. We can’t walk around with face masks. We can't walk around with various personal protection equipment.”

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Dugan said three of the officers were quarantined after they performed CPR on someone Tuesday night. That person died of unknown causes.

"These are the sacrifices that people are making," Dugan said. "These officers exposed themselves, potentially, to this virus trying to save someone else's life."

Dugan said he fears people aren't taking the warnings from health officials seriously, and it's putting first responders at risk. He urged residents to heed the countywide Safer at Home order.

See related stories:

• FL Restaurants Ordered To Shift To Takeout Over Coronavirus
• Interactive Map: Latest US Coronavirus Cases
• Florida Governor Declares State Of Emergency Over Coronavirus