Dozens of cops from Frankston police station are in isolation after second positive COVID-19 test
Three more police officers from Frankston Police Station have tested positive for coronavirus as more than 60 officers remain in isolation awaiting test results.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The spread of coronavirus at Frankston Police Station has worsened with a further three officers contracting the virus.
A total of seven police officers, including two Transit and Public Safety Command members, have now tested positive to COVID-19 at the busy suburban station.
An officer at Carrum Downs Police Station has also contracted coronavirus.
Both Frankston and Carrum Downs police stations have been closed to the public in the wake of the rising infections.
More than 60 officers at Frankston police station were ordered to self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19 after the first case was recorded on July 10.
The officer reported feeling unwell on July 7 after two days working in a patrol car.
A second general duties officer from Frankston station tested positive to the virus days later.
The officer had been issuing equipment to officers in the days before his diagnosis, sparking infection concerns within the station.
Victoria Police has continued to assure there will be no impact to service delivery in the region and that people who require face-to-face contact with police should visit Mornington police station.
“Victoria Police’s priority first and foremost is to ensure the safety of its people and the community,” a spokesman said.
Frankston Police Station remains closed to the public with locals who require face-to-face contact redirected to Mornington Police Station.
“The community can be assured that service delivery will remain unaffected during this time, with resources to be used from other locations where needed,” the spokesman said.
The jump in infections comes as the force ordered all officers to wear masks while working in an attempt to stop the spread.
The order applies to police working inside police stations.
A number of Victoria Police officers have tested positive to the virus this month.
These include an officer from Moorabbin station and two Protective Service Officers.
Statewide about 140 police and 30 Protective Services Officers are currently self-isolating following concerns they had contact with people with COVID-19.
Frankston Police Station underwent a second deep clean on Sunday but has now reopened to staff only.
“The reception counter remains closed to limit unnecessary face-to-face contact with the general public, with members of the local community advised to attend their next closest station in Carrum Downs at this time,” said the spokesman.
Infection investigators are working to trace who had contact with both of the infected officers.
Police have assured the number of officers wiped out from duty will not impact operations.
“During this time, additional resources will be sourced from other locations, ensuring there is no impact on the number of police in the local community,” the spokesman said.
“Victoria Police will work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services in an effort to determine how the officer became infected.
“Inquiries are being made to determine whether any members of the public had contact with the officer while they were contagious and may need to be tested.
“Victoria Police’s priority first and foremost is to ensure the safety of its people and the community.”
MORE NEWS:
EX-HEADMASTER FAKED DEGREES: COURT