Lake County Sheriff Says Officer Tested Positive For Covid-19
Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. has confirmed that a 41-year-old Lake County police officer has tested positive for COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus.
“The officer was on duty on March 18th when he advised his supervisor that he was experiencing flu-like symptoms,” Sheriff Martinez said, “His supervisor immediately sent him home and told him to self-quarantine and, if possible, to get tested for the virus.”
The officer was able to get tested by his doctor. Test results were returned on March 25th. At that time, the sheriff was made aware that the officer tested positive for COVID-19.
“The officer is recovering at home and is doing well at this time, and we remain in contact with him for updates on his progress,” the sheriff said.
Sheriff Martinez was able to identify 4 additional officers who may have been exposed to this officer. They have also been directed to self-quarantine and to be tested for the virus. The sheriff has indicated he believes the exposure was limited to a specific division within the sheriff’s department. He has also taken precautions to have the workspace disinfected and sanitized.
Sheriff Martinez added, “We are taking all necessary precautions in accordance with CDC guidelines to help ensure the health and wellbeing of police officers, corrections officers, civilian staff and inmates.”
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, I have taken measures to reduce the number of officers gathered in close proximity,” the sheriff said, “We have eliminated roll call, and instead have officers report directly to their district to begin their shifts.” To limit the amount of exposure between officers and the general public, the sheriff has also advised that non-emergency or non-priority calls will be handled by phone. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Damaged property
• Fraud
• Civil matters
• Animal problems
• Forgery
• Criminal mischief with no suspect on scene
• Theft with no suspect on scene
“We have also adjusted the work schedule of our civilian staff to assist in mitigating the threat of COVID-19 infection,” the sheriff said.
“We have distributed things like hand sanitizing gel and wipes as well as cleaning solution to our officers and we have also placed supplies throughout the department to try to keep all of our staff healthy,” Sheriff Martinez said.
In addition, the sheriff is also making attempts to acquire COVID-19 test kits for sheriff’s department personnel and inmates to help ensure the early detection of this potentially deadly disease and prevent its spread.
“I would like to remind all citizens to join in the effort to help stop the spread of this potentially deadly virus by adhering to Governor Eric Holcomb’s order to stay at home and only engage in essential travel and activities,” he said.
“We have made every effort to obtain, but have been unable to acquire, personal protective equipment like the N-95 face masks and face shields for our first responders. The priority for these materials is, of course, for hospitals and medical staff,” the sheriff said, “but we also have doctors and other medical staff in our jail who are in desperate need of these items.”
“I am making a plea to anyone in the public who has access to personal protective equipment for our first responders and medical staff to please contact us,” the sheriff stressed, “Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
Anyone willing to help us obtain personal protective equipment should call:
Commander Gruszka, Lake County Sheriff’s Department Staff Services
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(219) 648-6160
