The Pevely Police Department has been battling a COVID-19 outbreak that saw six of its 15 full-time officers and two of its five dispatchers test positive for the virus, city officials said.
“The city became aware of its first positive COVID-19 case (at the Police Department) on Nov. 12,” City Administrator Nathan Schauf reported. “At that time, the city directed any officers who had been exposed under CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines to quarantine and be tested. Six officers ultimately tested positive for COVID-19, as well as two dispatchers.”
Police Chief Alan Eikhoff said as of Tuesday, the police force was close to being back to full strength.
“The six officers are all back to work,” Chief Alan Eickhoff said. “One of the dispatchers is back to work.”
Eikhoff said his department did a good job handling police duties during the outbreak.
“The officers (who did not test positive for COVID) handled more shifts, and some reserve officers helped out,” he said.
Eikhoff said there is no way of pinpointing how the outbreak began.
“It’s hard to tell,” he said. “All of the officers have contact with the public and other officers.”