Florida Police Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus

HOLLYWOOD, FL — An employee of the Hollywood Police Department has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a spokesperson for the agency.

"A list of personnel who had direct or indirect contact with the employee was gathered and those individuals have all been notified," according to Officer Christian Lata of the agency. "While none are symptomatic at this time, per CDC guidelines, all were advised to monitor their health and report if they begin experiencing flu-like symptoms."

Lata said employees who had direct contact with the infected employee were told to self-quarantine at home and contact their medical providers for further testing.

"At this time, the only employee with a positive test for COVID-19 is the one reported to the
department," Lata said. "The department does not have the capability to mandate testing of the other personnel involved therefore, like the general public, the department is following the CDC guidelines mentioned above."

He said the risk of exposure to the coronavirus has been a "major concern" for all first responders.

"The department continues to urge its personnel to utilize all precautionary measures and equipment at their disposal to insure the safety of the public and themselves," he added.