coronavirus

2 Fort Worth Officers Test Positive for COVID-19

The officers are in self-isolation at home, according to department officials

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Two Fort Worth police officers tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, the department confirmed.

The officers, who have been in self-isolation at home since feeling ill, are in "good spirits, despite fighting symptoms," according to the Fort Worth Police Department.

Spokesperson Ofc. Daniel Segura said the officers work in the same unit and had limited close contact with others while at work.

"I know they were in contact with their supervisors right away, so it wasn’t a surprise to disclose that info today [Sunday], but it was a surprise for many of their coworkers," Sergura said.

Staff are working to trace their movements and encounters with others, and they are notifying anyone who might be at risk. They are also disinfecting their office spaces.

The department said city leaders and the Fort Worth Police Officers' Association are aware of the two cases and have offered assistance. No one else within the department has had to be quarantined, Segura added.

As of this weekend, an updated protocol within the department took effect. Officers who have any interaction with the public are required to wear N95 masks and gloves.

"If citizens dial 911 and the officer pulls up and he or she is wearing one of these masks and glove, don’t be alarmed," Segura said. "It’s just for everyone’s safety."

While decisions like this will require some time to adjust, the department said it was made in the interest of safety for the community and officers.

"The officers who are in the front lines, the officers who are responding to the day to day 911 calls -- they don’t have option of staying home," Segura said. "So, they have to go out there and handle whatever situation they might have."

The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Tarrant County rose to 139 on Sunday. The 11 new cases included four in Arlington, three in Fort Worth and one each in Azle, Forest Hill, Hurst and Keller.

Tarrant County Public Health could not confirm whether the two officers were included in the latest count.

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