ERMA – The Lower Township Police Department (LTPD) was notified April 3 that a police officer had tested positive for COVID-19, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.
According to a release, the officer works in the Patrol Division and was tested after exhibiting flu-like symptoms. The employee was directed to self-isolate for a 14-day incubation period.
The officer is currently home recovering and doing well. The origin of how the officer contracted the virus is under investigation.
Action Taken
Since learning of these positive test results, the Township took the following actions:
- Notified additional Township employees who may also have been exposed.
- Completed a deep cleaning of the Public Safety Building and designated police cars.
- Notified the Cape May County Health Department to coordinate additional testing and monitor, as needed.
Chief William Mastriana stated, “Although we have taken every precaution available, instituted strict protocols, and modified our day to day operations it was inevitable that an officer(s) would eventually be exposed and that we would possibly encounter positive results for the COVID-19 amongst our officers. I’m extremely proud of the courage and efforts of the Lower Township Police Department and its officers who are on the front lines day and night, continuing our primary mission of protecting and serving the citizens of Lower Township.”
This news should not deter the public from calling 9-1-1 when needing emergency assistance. Lower Township Police and Fire Departments continue to take extensive precautions to safeguard community members and other emergency personnel. The Cape May County public safety dispatchers will be asking additional COVID-19 screening questions for all calls for service (CFS) that request or require an in-person contact by first responders. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been distributed to public safety personnel, and modifications to fire and police response operations have been made.
