Editor’s note: This press release was issue Friday, April 3, by the Lower Township Police Department. The Cape May Star and Wave added the current COVID-19 case total for the county.
LOWER TOWNSHIP – On April 3, the Lower Township Police Department (LTPD) was notified that a police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.
According to the Cape May County Department of Health, 44 residents of the county have tested positive for COVID-19 and 11 of them have recovered.
The LTPD reported 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.
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.
