Philly Police Officer Dies From Coronavirus, Cases Reach 3,728

PHILADELPHIA — Two more coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Philadelphia, one of which was a Philadelphia Police lieutenant.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley Monday said two more people have died from the virus, bringing the death count to 45.

One of those deaths was Philadelphia Police Lt. Jimmy Walker.

" Losing Lieutenant James Walker to complications from Covid-19 is deeply painful," says Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. "The loss of his life illustrates the commitment that he and members of the Philadelphia Police Department have to serve the communities of this city, even in times of unprecedented risk and challenge. Lt. Walker devoted nearly 33 years to serving the communities in Philadelphia. I appreciate his and other members’ commitment."

Walker was a member of the department's traffic division.

"This weekend, we lost a friend, a family member, a hero," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "Any death is tragic, but today, it hits close to home. We have seen the first death in our family of City employees. The pain for Lt. Walker’s brothers and sisters on the force is compounded by their recent loss of Sergeant James O’Connor—another life that could not be mourned fully due to the gathering restrictions surrounding COVID-19. This is a heartbreaking reminder that the virus is affecting people throughout our community—especially those on the frontlines."

Walker was 59 years old and had been on the force for 33 years, Managing Director Brian Abernathy said.

He is survived by his wife, his adult daughter, and his grandchildren.

"With a Covid-19 surge anticipated in our area, PPD members are expected to follow protocols put in place to reduce the risk of exposure to themselves and others," Outlaw said. "With that said, we are constantly assessing our protocols and will adjust them as necessary and/or as we receive additional PPE."

Farley said the city is investigating other deaths that are believed to be from the coronavirus.

Eighteen of the 45 deaths were nursing home residents, he said.

Additionally, Farley announced there are now 3,728 cases in the city, after 539 more were identified since Sunday.

Many of the cases are in clusters that stem from group settings such as nursing homes and the jail.

The jail has 54 cases.

There are 495 patients with the virus being treated in Philadelphia hospitals, with a total of 887 people hospitalized in the region, including Philadelphia.