KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A public safety officer in Kalamazoo is confirmed to have contracted novel coronavirus and is currently off the job.
On Thursday the Kalamazoo Public Safety Department said they received notice that the officer tested positive for COVID-19 following an off-duty exposure.
KDPS officials say the individual is off work and recovering at home right now, and the department is also declining to name the officer’s personal identity.
In a statement KDPS said that the department is working with the Kalamazoo County Public Health Department and the City of Kalamazoo to comply with all reporting requirements mandated by the State of Michigan.
The state’s official COVID-19 tracking website on Thursday reported that Kalamazoo County had 10 confirmed cases of the illness among county residents. The total number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 has reached 2,856 statewide, with 60 deaths linked to the virus.
On Friday the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department confirmed another individual with COVID-19, bringing the total number of county residents testing positive to 11.
The public safety department has been preparing for potential COVID-19 cases involving first responders, developing a comprehensive exposure plan for officers and other staff.
On Monday Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller confirmed that a deputy had contracted COVID-19 and was placed on sick leave.
KDPS is encouraging residents and visitors to the community to slow the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to take precautions such as hand washing and social distancing.
