Police: "9 Cases of Officers Contacting Suspected COVID-19 Patients... All Tested Negative"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police confirmed that there have been a total of 9 cases involving contact with suspected patients of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), all of which tested negative.

A senior police official explained on the 19th regarding concerns about community transmission of COVID-19, "So far, there have been 9 cases where police officers arrested or rescued individuals showing suspected symptoms of COVID-19, resulting in contact," adding, "Fortunately, all 9 contacts tested negative, and when contact occurs, the police officers are quarantined at the security center."

He added, "If the suspected individual is tested and found negative, the officer returns to normal duty; if confirmed positive, the contacted police officers will self-quarantine and the relevant office will be disinfected."

However, police officers who have come into contact with suspected COVID-19 patients and have a high temperature are also isolated at their workplace. The official stated, "Before entering police stations or substations, temperatures are taken whenever possible, and those with elevated temperatures are not allowed to enter," adding, "Since police cannot avoid responding to calls, it is unavoidable, but if a suspected patient enters the substation, there will be many contacts, so we will provide thermometers."

He emphasized, "Wearing masks is not yet mandatory for police officers, but masks are allowed if desired, and mandatory mask-wearing will be considered depending on the situation."

So far, there have been 9 cases investigated related to the spread of false information or personal data leaks concerning COVID-19 in Seoul, with 6 individuals booked and the rest under investigation.

Regarding mask hoarding, 6 cases are under investigation, and a total of 10 cases including 3 sales frauds and 1 unfair gain case are being investigated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.