High-ranking LAPD member becomes second department official to contract coronavirus - Los Angeles Times
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High-ranking LAPD member becomes second department official to contract coronavirus

The Los Angeles Police Department's headquarters in downtown L.A.
(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
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A high-ranking member of the Los Angeles Police Department has contracted the coronavirus, marking the second time an LAPD employee has tested positive for COVID-19 this week, officials said.

In a news release issued Thursday, the LAPD said the employee began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last week. The person, who was not identified, is expected to make a full recovery.

The person was described as a member of the “senior staff” in a department memo obtained by The Times. A law enforcement source said the person is a high-ranking police official.

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Cleaning crews were dispatched to disinfect the South Bureau and 77th Division on Thursday, according to the memo.

“This is a sobering reminder that anyone is susceptible to this virus,” the department said in a statement. “The LAPD encourages all Angelenos to follow local and state guidelines of hygiene and social distancing.”

Earlier this week, a supervisor in the LAPD’s Pacific division also tested positive for the coronavirus. That employee is also expected to make a full recovery.

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The LAPD has been taking precautions to deal with the spread of the coronavirus. All patrol officers and officers likely to come into contact with infected people have been issued a kit consisting of multiple sets of gloves, a mask and goggles. Officers are directed to use all three items when responding to a call or having contact with a possible virus patient.

Times staff writer Leila Miller contributed to this report.

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