City employee tests positive for COVID-19, currently under self-quarantine

The City of Richmond today is reporting its first known case of an employee testing positive for COVID-19.

The affected employee is a female officer in the Richmond Police Department, who traveled to New York before the onset of her illness.

According to the Richmond City Health District, the officer, who is in her 40s, is now at home in isolation and is in stable condition.

Another co-worker who had been in close contact with the officer is under self-quarantine and is self-monitoring for symptoms.

Preliminary investigation by RCHD and RPD has not determined any potential for close contact with Richmond residents during this time period. However, RCHD and the RPD are reviewing and investigating any possible additional close contacts the officer may have had during the performance of her duties. 

“My first concern is for her and her family and the extended family of her co-workers,” said Police Chief William Smith. “We have taken precautions to limit exposure to our staff and to the community we serve. It is extremely important that we all continue to do our part in controlling the spread of the virus through the recommended protocols.”

  

“Because we are seeing significant community spread it is not surprising to have a documented occurrence in the government workforce,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Director of the Richmond City Health District, which serves the City of Richmond and Henrico County. “We continue to encourage members of our community to take every precaution to limit their potential exposure to COVID-19 to mitigate its impact on the residents of our region.”

“I truly appreciate the work that first responders do on the frontlines to keep our community safe during these uncertain times,” said Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “We must do our part as well. We are safer and stronger at home.”   

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