More neighbourhood corner stores are also being held up: chief

Reports of domestic abuse have gone up during the crisis

One of the officers who tested positive for the novel coronavirus has since returned to work

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A second Vancouver officer has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the city’s police chief.

One of those officers has returned to work, but stress levels are high among members who risk exposing themselves to COVID-19 on a daily basis, Chief Adam Palmer said in a video conference call Thursday during a report to the police board.

.@chiefpalmer says 70% of 911 calls during #COVID19 crisis are for police. He says stress levels high for officers having to patrol areas where concerns have been raised about possible exposure to the virus. Wednesday, @kennedystewart said no confirmed outbreaks yet in #DTES. — Marcella Bernardo (@Bernardo1130) April 16, 2020

“We are taking a very cautious approach and we’re making sure that anybody who is exhibiting any signs whatsoever, we are getting them into proper health channels and having them self-isolate at home,” Palmer added.

The Vancouver Police Department confirmed at the end of March a sworn member had tested positive for COVID-19.

“A lot of these officers have young children at home, they’ve got babies, toddlers, kids in school, some of them have aging parents or grandparents. All those types of concerns that anybody in society would have because many other people in society have the luxury of being able to self-isolate and our police officers do not,” Palmer said.

Some officers dedicated to policing Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside previously said they’re anxious about being exposed to COVID-19 and bringing the virus home to loved ones.

Palmer also reported of domestic abuse calls have increased during the crisis, and pointed out that during the report two months ago the main issue for police was pipeline opponents.

Palmer said more neighbourhood corner stores are also being held up, most often at knife-point.