A member of the RCMP in Saskatchewan has tested positive for COVID-19.
The officer, who is stationed in Prince Albert, was advised by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) March 25 that the officer may have been exposed to the condition. The officer immediately self-isolated as per the direction given by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The officer was subsequently tested and, on March 28, the officer was advised their test result was positive for COVID-19. The officer will continue following the direction of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and remain in self-isolation.
The Saskatchewan RCMP is following all directions given by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in relation to this positive test result. This includes disinfecting any areas the officer may have been in as well as working with SHA investigators to ensure the officer’s co-workers are notified and follow the direction given by the SHA.
As first responders, the Saskatchewan RCMP is mindful of concerns and is a full participant in the public health effort to fight COVID-19.
“As members of the communities we live and serve in, Saskatchewan RCMP employees are not immune to the risks of COVID-19. As an organization, we are taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of both our employees and the public we serve,” the RCMP said in a news release.
The RCMP has enhanced cleaning of their detachments and police vehicles to keep their work environment as clean as possible. To help maintain the wellbeing of officers responding to calls for service, the Divisional Operational Communications Centre has implemented two new questions to help assess any potential health concerns and ensures officers can take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
Members of the public calling to request police assistance can expect to be asked:
·Are you or any member of your residence ill at this time?
·Have you or any member of your residence had contact with a probable or confirmed case of COVID 19?
The Saskatchewan RCMP will continue to follow direction from SHA officials with respect to any possible exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, the Saskatchewan RCMP will continue to work closely with the SHA to ensure proper monitoring and notification protocols are maintained.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed. In consultation with the SHA, we may provide more specific location information in future updates if this is needed to ensure the safety of others in the community.
“We, of course, respect our employees' right to privacy and will not be identifying them publicly or providing ongoing health updates.”
Residents in the communities they serve should know that even if some front-counter services may be suspended at detachments, the Saskatchewan RCMP is still on the job, responding to calls, working around the clock to keep the province safe.
