A Kona patrol officer who recently tested positive for COVID-19 is on leave and dozens of other Hawaii Police Department employees are awaiting test results of their own, Police Chief Paul Ferreira said Wednesday.
The officer sought out screening randomly during drive-through testing held April 15, and was confirmed positive on April 18, according to Ferreira. The patrol officer was asymptomatic at the time of testing and still remains asymptomatic.
“The officer is out on paid leave, under self-quarantine and (being) monitored by (the) Department of Health and our supervisors remain in contact with the officer,” Ferreira told West Hawaii Today.
Prior to being placed on leave, the officer was on regular patrol duties in the Kona District, but the public isn’t at risk, the chief said.
“At this time, the Department of Health is involved and no risk to the public has been identified,” Ferreira said.
It is not yet known how the officer contracted the virus. However, it appears to be community spread as the officer had not traveled off-island.
“It is my understanding that an investigation by the Department of Health is underway to make that determination,” Ferreira said.
The positive test is the first for sworn personnel of the Hawaii Police Department, but the second among its employees. Earlier this month, a civilian employee in the Records Division tested positive.
“Even prior to these positive tests, our staff and janitorial staff have been tasked with sanitizing their work areas and being mindful of practicing social distancing,” Ferreira said. “Additional measures (have also been) taken such as mandating the wearing of face coverings when dealing with members of the community pursuant to the mayor’s proclamation.”
After receiving notification of the positive test in Kona, Ferreira said the affected officer was tasked with identifying any individuals with whom the officer had close contact. The Department of Health subsequently identified individuals who were at risk and contacted them.
The Kona station was also sanitized over the weekend by employees of the department and the Department of Public Works.
A total number of employees tested was not available Wednesday because some personnel “may have sought testing on their own without our knowledge,” according to Ferreira.
“But staff informs me that well over 50 individuals were tested,” he said. “Testing for individuals who were identified as having close contact, it was required; others voluntarily went to be screened and tested.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, no notifications of other employees testing positive had been received.
“No one at this point is isolated or on leave, that I am aware of; if any employees were feeling ill, they have been instructed to remain at home,” Ferreira said.
The department has more than 430 sworn officers with an anticipated 47 vacancies effective May 1.
Despite the positive test, “we are definitely providing all of our services to the community,” Ferreira said.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a few weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including life-threatening pneumonia.