An officer from Montgomery County Police Department has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a Montgomery County press release.
The statement says the officer worked “across several sections of the police department,” but had little interaction with the public.
County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles said in a statement that this is the first police officer in Montgomery County known to have contracted the virus.
“While this case is concerning, it is not surprising as coronavirus knows no bounds,” Gayles said. “Please know we are diligently working to keep all our first responders, County employees and residents as safe as possible. As the number of individuals with COVID-19 increases across the state, we are unfortunately likely to see more cases among our first responders. As of today, there are 190 total cases in Maryland; 68 of which are in Montgomery County.”
Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is leading a contact investigation with MCPD and is notifying individuals who may have been in contact with the officer. As of now, county officials don’t think the officer was infected as a result of his work.
Tom Jordan, a spokesperson for MCPD, told MyMCMedia that the officer is receiving medical treatment and MCPD is continuing to practice social distancing. According to Jordan, MCPD learned the officer tested positive for COVID-19 Friday evening.
