Protocols added to protect public safety personnel from COVID-19

Local public safety agencies are adding steps to protect personnel during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Cleveland Police Chief John Foster told officers at a March 16 gathering about precautions they can take to protect themselves from being exposed to the virus.

“We’ve been in contact with [White County Public Safety director] David Murphy and Sheriff [Neal] Walden, and we’re all in agreeance as to the severity as to this virus and the actions that need to be taken,” Foster said. “I first got a phone call from David and then I got a phone call from the sheriff, and I agree with both of them on procedures that we need to take to protect the public and protect even our inmates.”

Foster advised officers to thoroughly wash their hands, sanitize work areas and avoid close contact. Personal protection kits for offices that include gloves, masks and eye shields have also been assembled, he added. He also asked their officers to use their discretion when it comes to traffic stops.

“A simple tag light out in this point in time is probably not a good reason to stop someone,” Foster said. “In my opinion, it’s unnecessary contact and that’s what I wanted to relay to the officers. Let’s be very cautious about why we’re stopping someone.”

The White County Sheriff’s Office is restricting access to the jail and advising the public to file reports by phone, said Sheriff Neal Walden.

Employees are being reminded of good hygiene practices and keeping their distance from each other to prevent spread of the virus. They are also being screened for fever and illness before they enter the workplace.

Walden added that deputies conducting traffic stops are being encouraged to write citations for violators and release them with a court date. For more serious incidents when arrests is necessary, people will be screened for illness at the jail.

Visitation for inmates at the county detention center has been suspended and will be evaluated from week to week, Walden said. Church services and alcohol and drug programs at the jail are also on hiatus until further notice.

The Cleveland Police Department will also be closed to the public. A sign on the door will display a CPD phone number to call for those seeking help.

“We will answer the phone, find out what you need,” Foster said. “We will then send an officer to you or we will handle it ourselves in house.”

If someone has to come inside the police station, they will be brought to a room that will be sanitized after the person leaves, Foster said.

Helen Police Chief Brian Stephens said his department also is taking proactive measures, including restricting building access.

“If you come up to file a report, it’s all done in the lobby. You won’t be brought in through the police department,” Stephens said.

Patrol cars have been given a disinfectant to kill viruses, and officers have been issued respirators and gloves.

Complainants who’ve been in contact with someone who is ill are asked to call HPD first and officers will follow up as needed, Stephens said.

Access to all EMS and fire stations is also being limited to essential personnel to prevent spread of the virus, said David Murphy, county public safety director. No visitors will be allowed.

“In addition, walk-in/drive-up patients who may be experiencing a medical emergency will be required to return to their vehicle, call 911 and go through the screening process that all 911 callers are required to do,” Murphy said.

After screening the caller, emergency personnel will put on protective equipment for making contact with a person showing symptoms of coronavirus infection. Station personnel will also have a proper mask for the person seeking help.

White County EMS also is limiting ambulance rides to patients and one family member, who must wear a mask during transport, Murphy added. At the hospital, the family member will wait in the registration area until they have been cleared by personnel to rejoin the patient.

Murphy said the new guidelines are necessary to protect personnel from exposure as they continue serving the community.

“Our employees are our top priority,” Murphy said. “We need to keep them safe so we can assure the help to our citizens in the event of emergencies.”

Guidelines will be updated as the coronavirus situation unfolds, Murphy said.

“The situation is rapidly changing, but we will continue to make decisions to provide the best protection we can for our employees and the White County community.”

The fire chiefs for the cities of Cleveland and Helen said they are following the same guidelines as the county.