COVID-19 hits Indianapolis first responders, jail worker, inmate

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has moved most of its officers and support staff out of regular offices to work remotely whenever possible.

News 8 has learned an entire unit of detectives may have been exposed to the virus after one detective tested positive. The department and the police union say they cannot discuss officers’ medical records.

“You have to remember for every officer that we have a documented positive test for you can usually estimate at least five to 10 more officers that we have to immediately put into quarantine and then get them tested” said Rick Synder, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No 86 in Indianapolis.

The number of police officers and first responders that have tested positive is on the rise. Indianapolis police says it has 17 officers confirmed positive for the virus and supplies of personal protective equipment are thin.

“Every officer has a minimum of one to two of the N95 masks and we are looking for alternative ways that we can resanitize and use them again if need be,” Synder said.

In the Indianapolis Fire Department, 14 firefighters have tested positive for the coronavirus, and two have already returned to work.

The Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services has six people who have tested positive for the virus. The department responded to 338 runs on Thursday, and 40% were for flu-like symptoms.

Dr. Dan O’Donnell of the Indianapolis EMS said, “That is the message we are trying to get to all of public safety partners: You need to treat everybody as if (they have the coronavirus). That doesn’t mean you have be afraid and not do what you have been called to do a public safety official.”

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that a medical staff member working at CoreCivic/Jail 2 received positive test results for COVID-19. The staff member is in self-isolation and last worked at Jail 2 on Sunday. Jail 2 is operated by CoreCivic, a contractor that houses about half of the county’s inmate population.

Also, the officer said, one Jail 2 inmate, who had been placed in isolation on April 1 after developing signs and symptoms, has received positive test results for COVID-19.

The Marion County Public Health Department began testing for COVID-19 to 75 people at Marion County Jail 2. The testing includes 37 Jail 2 inmates, who are showing signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19. Testing also included 38 CoreCivic staff members, including 14 corrections officers, 22 medical staff and two service providers. All of those who received testing are being quarantined while awaiting test restuls.

Both the Marion County Jail and Jail 2 are closed to outside visitors who are not employees.

Jail Division and CoreCivic employees are receiving a medical screening immediately prior to beginning their shift.

Indiana coronavirus timeline