MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Jim Strickland confirmed Friday that an employee of the Memphis Police Department has tested positive for COVID-19.
Strickland did not provide information about the employee’s specific job or location.
“They reported to the health department, they are going through their contact list, with every possible list they have,” Strickland said.
The mayor’s administration has told WREG that the health department will reach out to any contacts that a quarantined person has had.
A Memphis Police Department spokesperson did not provide any information about the employee, referring questions to the health department.
The Memphis Police Association also did not comment.
MPD officials assured “protocols are in place for employees to take precautionary measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
Employees who get sick or are exposed can get up to two weeks paid leave depending on the exposure and if they are full or part time.
Business trips have been suspended, and any personal trips taken to high risk locations since March 5th require a 14-day ban from the office, regardless of any symptoms. High-risk places include: all international locations, cruises, the states of Washington, Florida, California, and New York City and New Orleans.
The city of Memphis is under a civil emergency order after health officials said Thursday that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Shelby County had risen to 10.
Restaurants and bars are only doing take-out and delivery, and churches have been asked to stream their services.
