Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw in self-quarantine after employee tests positive for COVID-19
The Gun Permit Unit is closed due to positive COVID cases.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is self-quarantining after an employee assigned to her office tested positive for COVID-19, a city spokesperson told Action News on Thursday.
According to officials, Outlaw was informed on November 12 and has been "following all protocols," including working remotely.
The news comes as cases continue to surge across the city and state.
"Despite a rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Philadelphia, PPD remains confident in its ability to provide adequate staffing levels to maintain the public safety that our city deserves and expects," the spokesperson said.
Due to positive COVID cases and the need to quarantine, the Gun Permits Units closed to the public on Wednesday and is not expected to reopen until December 7.
All police facilities impacted by employees who have tested positive will be sanitized and deep-cleaned.
Philadelphia police employees are required to wear a mask at all times and have been provided with PPE and hand sanitizer, officials said.
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Houses of worship in Philly vow to persevere amid new COVID restrictions
The new COVID-19 restrictions in Philadelphia will have a major impact on houses of worship, which for the time being can operate at only 5% capacity. While the Archdiocese of Philadelphia revises its guidance, some churches and synagogues in the city have a variety of innovative plans to carry on through the holidays.
Philadelphia-area stores stock up as new COVID restrictions set to begin Friday
As more coronavirus restrictions are set to begin Friday, there seem to be fewer paper products on the shelves of stores.
FDA approves 1st rapid virus test that gives results at home
U.S. regulators on Tuesday allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes.
Health experts warn against holiday travel, unnecessary COVID testing
Health experts are urging caution ahead of the holiday season, asking that you think twice about traveling - and getting unnecessary COVID-19 tests.
As COVID cases rise, no need to stockpile supplies, expert says
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, consumers are stocking up, and grocery stores are responding. But before you go on a spending spree, there are some things to consider.
CDC says masks protect you, not just those around you, in updated guidance
As the U.S. sees a nationwide spike in coronavirus cases, the Centers for Disease Control released new mask guidance. The latest update says wearing a face-covering doesn't just protect the people around you, but it also protects the wearer from incoming virus projectiles.
CDC releases updated guidelines for Thanksgiving
The CDC posted its most specific guidance yet on Thanksgiving Monday, which emphasizes that the safest option for the holiday is celebrating only with people in your household or taking extra precautions like wearing masks and keeping your distance if you celebrate with others.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
How to properly wash your hands
Which masks protect those around you best?
