Chesco Officers Were Exposed To Coronavirus During Bomb Threat

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Six Chester County law enforcement officers are in quarantine after being exposed to the Lower Providence police officer who has coronavirus, health officials said.

The direct contact occurred while the officers were responding to the bomb threat at Arbour Square, a senior living facility in West Goshen, on March 8. Health officials are tracing the activity of these officers to determine who else they may have been in contact with, but they believe it's unlikely they spread the virus.

"There is minimal risk to anyone who has come into contact with them because they are not showing any symptoms," Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Casner said in a statement.

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There are not yet any cases of the virus in Chester County, so if any of these officers tested positive it would represent the first cases in the county. The exposed officers include four West Goshen police officers and two Chester County Sheriff's K-9 deputies, the county said.

The Lower Providence K-9 officer who was infected, a 35-year-old man from Perkiomen Township, does not require hospitalization and is currently in isolation at home.

>>Gov. Wolf Orders Montco Schools Closed Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

If you experience any symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately and follow all instructions. Officials have repeatedly stressed to call, and not to go in person to a healthcare facility, if you have symptoms.

In nearby Montgomery County, there are 13 coronavirus cases, leading Gov. Wolf to order schools and many public places to close for a minimum of two weeks. There are 22 cases in Pennsylvania all told.

"The Chester County Health Department has prepared for situations such as this, and staff in the department have taken measures – alongside the state Department of Health, adjoining county health departments and our Department of Emergency Services – to mitigate the spread of coronavirus," Chester County Commissioners Chair Marian Moskowitz said.

Outside of Montgomery County, many schools and colleges in the region have already closed, amended schedules, and canceled activities. See the full list of school closures.

>>>PA Coronavirus Updates: Cases Up, Colleges Close, Events Canceled