MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A communications officer for the Hernando Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus.
The police department confirmed the positive case to WREG on Tuesday. A spokesperson said the communications officer is still undergoing treatment.
“We at the Hernando Police Department will continue to follow CDC recommendations regarding best practices for minimizing exposure and transfer,” a statement from Hernando Police said. “Please keep our employees in your thoughts as we work to continue to provide our city with the best coverage possible.”
The Mississippi Department of Health confirmed the case Wednesday. It is the first case recorded in DeSoto County, or in north Mississippi.
The state also said there were two cases confirmed in Coahoma County.
Hernando Police Chief Scott Worsham posted to his Facebook page that as soon as he learned of the COVID-19 case, he contacted local doctors, specialists and the state department of health for guidance.
“We confirmed with the specialist that everything we were doing and had been doing was exactly what was protocol to try to prevent and stop the spread of this, or any other virus,” Worsham said, noting that the department was stepping up its protocols going forward.
Worsham said any employees who are over 60 have been sent home as precaution and none currently show any symptoms. Any employee who was in direct contact will self-quarantine for 14 days.
“I assure everyone we are being as thorough as we can for the safety of our employees and the great public in which we serve,” he said.