Calgary police officer tests positive for COVID-19

A Calgary police officer has tested positive for COVID-19.

Police said the officerworks in a specializeddepartment where membershave not dealt face-to-facewith the public in recent weeks, theofficer and a work partner have gone into isolation, and the rest of theteam is now working from home.

"All of us in emergency services are regular people who have to balance our health, our families and our personal lives with the demands placed on us by our careers," Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld said in a newsrelease on Saturday.

"We know some of us are going to get sickor are going to need some time away to support our families."

Police said many officersare working remotely if possible.The public may notice officers on the front lines wearing masks, speaking to people by phone, or asking people to step outside when theyspeak together in order to maintain two metres of physical distance.

The service said it isworking closely with Alberta Health Servicesandanyone who was in close contact with the officer who tested positive will be notified.

In recent days, police have had to lay charges and fines against people who havecontravened emergencyorders during the COVID-19pandemic.

Officers have also salutedhealth-care and grocery store workers by driving by their workplaces with sirens blaring in appreciation.

"The entire Calgary Police Service is grateful to everyone who is working every day to maintain essential services during this time. From healthcare workers to grocery store staff, there are many people who, like our officers, continue interacting with others so everyone can get what they need," the release said.

"We wish our member a speedy recovery."

As of Saturday, there are a total of1,569 COVID-19 cases in Alberta.