2 Reading Police Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus

READING, MA — Two employees of the Reading Police Department have tested positive for the coronavirus, Chief David Clark said Friday. The employees have been isolated since first displaying symptoms and are being monitored according to public health guidelines, the Reading Health Department said.

"Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been quickly identified and contacted by health officials," Town Manager Bob LeLacheur said in a statement. "The general public should have no specific concerns about this news, although we all have the two employees in our thoughts and prayers. Thus far they are recovering well."

The Reading Police Department is working closely with local health officials and will follow CDC guidelines and remain in remote contact with the two employees throughout their illness.

Police will continue to respond to all emergencies and are taking the proper precautions when coming into contact with residents and community members, the department said.

The department will continue to limit access to the station to outside visitors for general, walk-in business until further notice. Residents are asked to call the police station for non-emergency matters at 781-944-1212. Out of an abundance of caution, officers may also practice social distancing while interacting with the public if it is feasible to do so.