As a precautionary measure, the Diolath Police Department currently has 29 members in the current contagion due to suspected exposure to the Covid-19 virus, according to self-deprecating Chief Mike Tuscan.
He noted that most employees who go through quarantine never test positive for the virus. Since mid-October, the police department has had 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Duluth Police Department has 157 sworn officers, 26 citizens, seven parking officers and 18 seasonal / part-time employees.
“The increase in COVID-19 cases in our city and state is posing a challenge to community safety,” Tusk said in a statement Friday afternoon. “We are similarly challenged that many employers are with how to do their job best while keeping their employees safe.”
While the current situation complicates police operations, Tuscan said the department’s “first priority is the health and safety of our staff and the community.”
Tusk noted that the nature of the police department’s work puts employees at risk. But he assured that “no matter what the circumstances, DPD is still in a good position to continue the safe service of the city of Duluth. Emergency calls 911 and responding to staff is our priority.”
He pointed out that the police department has employed a number of strategies and methods to reduce the spread of community and force in the community. Tusk said if suspected of being exposed to the virus, the police department uses contact tracing and adheres to the best practices recommended to quarantine staff by the Minnesota Department of Disease Control and Prevention Centers and the Department of Health. Police staff have access to quick-testing services.
“The DPD will continue to do its utmost to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while serving the city of Duluth,” Tuscan said. “We call on you to follow the state of Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and help you keep yourself and everyone safe and wear masks, maintain social distance, wash your hands and stay home if you are sick.”
On Thursday, the News Tribune declined a request for information on the number of police officers who have been exposed to and / or infected with the coronavirus.
“We respect our employees’ right to privacy and all disclosures are voluntary. Therefore, we will not disclose the number of positive cases,” said Ingrid Hornibrock, the department’s public information officer.
This story was edited at 5:34 pm on November 6 to include previous information about the story of the first day. It was updated again at 6:20 pm on the same day to include information about the total number of people working for the police department. Was the original article Posted November 5 at 5:18 pm.
