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The Dripby Brew Editors5:42 pmMar 26, 20200

One policeman and two EMS providers test positive for COVID-19 in Baltimore

Number of known cases in Maryland rises to 580; in Baltimore City, 72

Above: Mayor Jack Young applies hand sanitizer before announcing that three first responders have tested positive for the new coronavirus. (CharmTV)

Just yesterday, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison quashed a rumor that a police officer had tested positive for COVID-19, although he said it was a possibility.

This afternoon Harrison said he was informed “just a short while ago” that an officer had tested positive. He is one of three Baltimore first responders to test positive for COVID-19, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young announced Thursday.

Young said the two Fire Department EMS personnel and one police officer self-quarantined as soon as they heard of their potential exposure.

The police officer had been off work for over a week while awaiting test results for the virus, Harrison said, adding that the officer is recovering and in good spirits.

Police have not provided additional information, such as what district the infected officer was assigned to, whether other officers may have been exposed to the virus, and whether other officers are now self-quarantined.

Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said her department is investigating with whom the three responders had contact and when they may have been exposed in order to compel people to self-quarantine and not spread the virus to anyone else.

“They are on the frontline with ill residents,” Dzirasa said. “We appreciate all that they do to keep us safe.”

Fire Chief Niles Ford said his members are required to wear full protective equipment.

The police department has received 3,000 N95 respirator masks from the fire department. The Home Depot supplied an additional 2,000 masks for officers, city officials said.

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