Baltimore County Cop, Fire Department Worker Have Coronavirus

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A police officer and a fire department support services employee have tested positive for the new coronavirus, Baltimore County said Friday afternoon in a news release.

According to the release, the two public safety workers are the first such people to test positive for the COVID-19 virus in Baltimore County.

According to the release, the unidentified police officer is at home and recovering in isolation.

"We ask that the community continues to assist us in staying safe by remaining home and meeting our officers outside on calls for service whenever possible. We will continue to take all possible precautions to keep both our workforce and our community safe," Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said in part in a statement.

The county said the Baltimore County Fire Department support services staff member has mild symptoms and is recovering in isolation.

"The health and well-being of our members is of utmost importance," Fire Chief Joanne R. Rund said in a statement. "Our residents depend on us to be there for them, and those of us on the front lines of this pandemic need to take care of ourselves in order to do that."

Baltimore County said the police and fire departments are both coordinating with the Maryland Department of Health to protect department employees and members of the public.

Other steps have been taken to protect first responders and the public including wearing personal protective equipment and hosting daily "healthy check-ins" for all imployees.

The Baltimore County Health Department is conducting trace investigations to find out who the workers came in contact with.

"I am grateful for the dedication of the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our first responders," County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement. "We will continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state and local health officials as we work to serve those who serve us throughout this rapidly evolving public health crisis."