OAKLAND — An Oakland Police Department dispatcher has tested positive for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, authorities said Tuesday.
In a statement, police said one member of the department’s communications division had tested positive, was self-quarantining and recovering, and had not been at work since July 11.
A department spokesperson said it had taken “immediate action and precautions” to protect employees, in concert with Alameda County’s public health order, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration and federal Centers for Disease Control protocols.
Acknowledging what it described as recent regional and state rises in COVID-19 cases, a department spokesperson said the city would work with City Health Urgent Care to provide rapid testing for police officers and staff members who were asymptomatic, had known exposure or were in at-risk health categories.
“This is a proactive effort to ensure City staff are protected and able to provide safe service to the community without subjecting them to potential risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and its rapid growth,” the statement said in part.
The department did not respond to a question about reports that concerns about illness had affected dispatch staffing during recent days’ shift schedules. Last month, this news organization’s coverage found the police dispatch center was critically understaffed.
In a video shared on social media Tuesday, Oakland police Chief Susan Manheimer said the department was working to respond in kind, ensuring fewer dropped calls and shorter wait times for 911 callers and saying a recruitment drive would seek local applicants.
Interim Chief Susan Manheimer talks about the changes coming to OPD’s 911 Communications Center. pic.twitter.com/HX1C38a6Ie
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 21, 2020
At least five Oakland police officers have tested positive for COVID-19 this year.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
