Over 300 police officers in New York have tested positive for the Coronavirus, with many more still waiting to be tested.
On Fox5 Morning Show, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea stated that 322 officers tested positive for COVID-19.
These jumps are very significant,” Shea said. “What we’re seeing here is that, if you look at […] community spread, the assumption is that large portions of New York City residents and members of the workforce have been exposed.”
Shea continued, “We prepare for events. Every event is different, and this is certainly a unique one, but we have a good track record, and we have a lot of experience in terms of working through crises.”
According to the commissioner, over 3,237 officers are out sick as of Wednesday night, which is three times the normal rate.
Over the weekend, the department will set up an operational task force of about 600 officers who will be replacing cops that are out sick.
“It’s gonna change day-to-day, but the immediacy is backfilling patrol, backfilling numbered squads where that’s appropriate,” he said.
He continued with, “Be ready, have your uniform ready, be ready to pick up the slack for the men and women next to you that’s out sick because we’re gonna need you to step in until they come back.”
