What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow
CDC's Interim Guidance for EMS. Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended.
The minimum PPE recommended is:
- A single pair of disposable examination gloves
- Disposable isolation gown or single-use/disposable coveralls*
- Any NIOSH-approved particulate respirator (i.e., N-95 or higher-level respirator)
- Eye protection (i.e., goggles or disposable face shield that fully covers the front and sides of the face)
*If unable to wear a disposable gown or coveralls because it limits access to duty belt and gear, ensure duty belt and gear are disinfected after contact with individual.
If close contact occurred during apprehension:
- Clean and disinfect duty belt and gear prior to reuse using a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the product label
- Follow standard operating procedures for the containment and disposal of used PPE
- Follow standard operating procedures for containing and laundering clothes. Avoid shaking the clothes
For law enforcement personnel performing daily routine activities, the immediate health risk is considered low. Law enforcement leadership and personnel should follow view the COVID-19 Businesses and Employers page.
Recommendations for 911 Public Safety Answering Points
Municipalities and local EMS authorities should coordinate with state and local health, public safety points, and other emergency call centers to determine need for modified caller queries about COVID-19.
Development of these modified caller queries should be closely coordinated with an EMS medical director and infromed by local, state, and federal public health authorities, including the city or county health department(s), state health department, and CDC.
For more information on topics such as:
- Modified Caller Queries
- Recommendations for EMS Clinicians and Medical First Responders
- Patient Assessment
- Recommended Person Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Precautions for Aerosol - Generating Procedures
- EMS Transport of a PUI or Patient with Confirmed COVID-19 to a Healthcare Facility (including interfacility transport)
- Documentation of patient care
- Cleaning EMS Transport Vehicles after Transporting a PUI or Patient with Confirmed COVID-19
- Follow-up and/or Reporting Measures by EMS Clinicians After Caring for a PUI or Patient with Confirmed COVID-19
- EMS Employer Responsibilites
Additional Resources
From responding to a patient with access and functional needs to confidential help lines created especially for first responders, please see the resources below.