36 Milwaukee Police Officers Tested Positive For Coronavirus

MILWAUKEE, WI — Police in Milwaukee say they respond to more than 500 known COVID-19 positive locations each week, and that 36 members of the Police Department have tested positive for the virus.

Police says most of the department members have fully recovered and returned to work. Those who have not recovered are under self-quarantine, police officials said.

"For the safety of our members and for the safety of the public, the Milwaukee Police Department is actively working with other city departments, including the Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department, to facilitate testing for our members," Milwaukee police officials said in a statement Thursday.

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Police officials said testing limitations forced the department to concentrate testing officers and staff in Police District 5, located on the city's near north side on account of it being a heavily-affected area.

"Our goal is to provide a test to every member of our department as additional tests become available," officials said.

According to the department, officers are now required to wear personal protective equipment when interacting with the public. The requirement was made immediately after the department received enough masks - either by purchase or donations.

"As we continue to fight this pandemic together, we continue to accept N95 and KN95 mask donations and remain grateful for the community's support," officials said Thursday.

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