Second Dallas police officer tests positive for coronavirus, police say

A second Dallas police officer has tested presumed positive for the coronavirus, the department confirmed Saturday.

The officer, who works in the central patrol, reportedly had a positive test result Friday. His last day at work was Thursday, police said in a news release, and he’s “currently doing well” as he self-isolates. A co-worker who had close contact with him is also quarantined as a precaution.

A presumed positive result means a coronavirus test has come back positive but the case hasn’t been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control.

The city’s contractor will be notified to begin sanitizing the offices at central patrol where the presumed positive individual worked, police said. The department’s chief doctor, Alex Eastman, is also providing medical advice to officers who might have had contact with the person.

The department is in contact with the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services to determine any other measures that need to be taken, police said.

Another Dallas officer who works in the northeast patrol was the first officer in North Texas to be presumed positive for the coronavirus. Police have said he’s self-quarantined and doing well.

The department is hoping to prevent the spread of the virus among its officers by providing 3,200 bottles of hand sanitizer, 6,000 boxes of gloves and increased sanitizing of all common areas at facilities such as main entrances, elevators and restrooms.

Police said in the news release “we know that some of our officers will contract the virus” and “DPD is prepared to address the issue with sound medical advice from our experts as well as a contingency plan to maintain operations to keep the community safe.”

This story was originally published March 21, 2020 at 9:47 AM.