South Wales Police officer tests positive for coronavirus
An officer from South Wales Police is self-isolating at home having tested positive for Covid-19, also known as the coronavirus.
It is believed to be the first time a law enforcement officer in the UK has been diagnosed with the illness, which has killed at least ten people and infected nearly 600 as of March 12.
As a precaution, Merthyr Tydfil police station was closed on Tuesday evening (March 10) and subjected to a deep clean. Staff returned to work on Wednesday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “South Wales Police can confirm that an officer based in Merthyr Tydfil police station has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home.
“The force has been in close consultation with Public Health Wales and the policing service to the local community was unaffected by the temporary closure.”
The officer is one of 19 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales. While the majority have been linked to those returning from countries most affected by the virus, there has also been one case of community transmission in which an individual, based in the Caerphilly area, has had no contact with any confirmed case.
