COLUMBUS — Columbus police chief Tom Quinlan announced changes to work schedules for some division personnel after an officer tested positive for coronavirus.
The Ohio Department of Health call center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding COVID-19 at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
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The officer, who does not work patrol, is recovering at home, division spokesman Sgt. James Fuqua said.
To lessen the chance of exposure, Quinlan is implementing an exposure mitigation plan beginning Sunday that calls for patrol officers and sergeants to work four days, or 32 hours of their scheduled 40-hour work week on duty and one day at home but on call.
“The plan is innovative, scalable and cost neutral. The health and safety of our personnel is of utmost importance to the Division to be able to serve and protect the public at this time of need,” Quinlan said.
Quinlan recorded a public-service announcement discussing the situation.
The state says more than 1,400 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed, with 25 deaths as of Saturday, incuding 288 cases and two deaths in central Ohio.
In Dayton, a plumber said stockpiling of toilet paper is causing problems as people without the product flush inappropriate items such as baby wipes.