CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – April 29, 2020 – The City of Cedar Rapids was alerted today that a Cedar Rapids Police Department employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee, age 41-60, came to work on Monday, April 27 and was temperature screened prior to beginning their shift. They began experiencing mild symptoms during their shift and alerted a supervisor. The employee was immediately sent home and was asked to consult a physician for testing.
Medical privacy prohibits the release of the employee’s name or other identifying information. The employee is currently isolating at home and being monitored for any progression of symptoms. Contact tracing is being conducted and any employee or member of the public with potential exposure is being contacted. No other employee is showing symptoms at this time.
“We have been diligent to put proper protocols in place to protect our employees as well as protect the public when we are serving the community and responding to calls for service,” said Police Chief Wayne Jerman. “The Department has implemented safety procedures that were established in the event that an employee tested positive for COVID-19.”
The City’s coronavirus response protocols call for enhanced cleaning across the site, social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and use of face masks and required PPE. Police Department personnel have been performing temperature checks before the beginning of each shift. The City’s Joint Communications Agency continues to ask screening questions to identify individuals who may be positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms. Dispatchers alert first responders if additional personal protective measures should be taken.
The City of Cedar Rapids also follows the CDC’s guidance governing self-quarantine for those who become ill. The Department and employee are following the recommendations of the employee’s medical provider, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and local public health officials.
This case will not impact the Police Department’s service to the community. The Department has established both a continuity of operations and response plan during this public health emergency to ensure essential services continue to be delivered to the community.