18 Savannah Police Department officers test positive for COVID-19

The Savannah Police Department is working to prevent a wider outbreak of COVID-19 after 18 of its officers tested positive.

Savannah Morning News reported Mayor Van Johnson announced the number of officers who tested positive at his weekly coronavirus update on Tuesday. All of those officers are on leave.

“This is the highest number of department members who have tested positive during the pandemic,” the department said in a statement. “We cannot speculate on what may have caused an uptick in cases; however, we will continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to disinfect work spaces and implement social distancing in common areas.”

The department said in the lengthy statement that there are things in place to address a potential significant shortage of officers for any reason, including a COVID-19 outbreak, the publication reported.

“We have contingency plans in place to address patrol shortages for a number of reasons,” the statement said. “Thankfully, some of the department members who have tested positive could potentially be back as soon as next week.”

The department said it is following the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It said when officers test positive for the illness, they are placed on a form of sick leave and do not work from home.

“If any officer feels sick or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they are requested to stay home and get tested,” the statement said.

Citizens are asked to use a remote reporting system to help slow the spread of the disease.