Loudoun Sheriff's Deputy Tests Positive For Coronavirus

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputy who works in the department's Field Operations Division tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, Monday morning, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's deputy has "mild allergy-like symptoms" and is recovering at home, according to the sheriff's office.

There is no indication the deputy had close on-the-job contact with any residents in the community in recent weeks. The positive coronavirus test is the first reported case in the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

"It is unclear where the deputy contracted the virus, but there is no indication that the virus is a result of an arrest or personal contact with staff," the sheriff's office said.

The Loudoun County Health Department is conducting a contact mapping investigation and is in the process of calling each individual who may have had contact with deputy.

Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and Loudoun Chair Phyllis Randall, in a joint video announcement, told residents to avoid gatherings and abide by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's stay-at-home executive order issued Monday.

“We will continue to patrol the County in order to address any violations of the Governor’s Executive Order and take what action we feel is appropriate. Nevertheless, these are uncharted waters for which there is no playbook,” Chapman said in the video.

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Randall said the deputy's positive test for the coronavirus "serves as an important reminder to everyone that we are all at risk."

"It is imperative that everyone takes measures to protect themselves, their family, and our community. This will also protect our first responders, medical personnel, and child and adult protective services," she added.

As of Monday, the Virginia Department of Health reported 1,020 COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths. Of the total cases, 136 people are hospitalized.

The Fairfax Health District continues to report the most cases — 224. The next largest numbers are 86 in Arlington County, 79 in Prince William County, 73 in James City County and 61 in Loudoun County.

Chapman said the sheriff's office has responded to several calls about residents gathering in large groups. "Our goal is for you to voluntarily comply by following the orders and the guidelines of social distancing," he said.

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