Calgary police officer tests positive for COVID-19

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

Police said the officer works in a specialized department where members have not dealt face-to-face with the public in recent weeks, the officer and a work partner have gone into isolation, and the rest of the team 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 news release on Saturday.

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

Police said many officers are 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 they speak together in order to maintain two metres of physical distance.

The service said it is working closely with Alberta Health Services and anyone 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 have contravened emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officers have also saluted health-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 of 1,569 COVID-19 cases in Alberta.