Pascagoula police officers test positive for COVID. ‘Tighter restrictions’ planned.
Pascagoula has had multiple police department employees test positive for COVID-19, the agency posted Monday on Facebook.
Police Chief Matt Chapman told the Sun Herald some officers had tested positive, and they are still waiting on results of other employees’ tests to determine the total number of cases.
The building is closed to the public on Monday so it can be disinfected.
Multiple city employees also tested positive for the virus, the city released Monday. Face masks to now be required inside all City of Pascagoula buildings. Those not wearing a face mask will not be allowed to enter.
The police department said it will put “tighter restrictions” on how officers respond to calls and other police business. Those guidelines have not yet been released.
“Please know that the public’s health and safety, along with our first responders’ are extremely important to us,” the department said on Facebook. “Although our doors may be shut, our phone lines remain open to take calls and officers will still be responding to calls for service.”
Pascagoula residents are still encouraged to call if assistance if needed. The number for non-emergency calls is 228-762-2211, and 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Municipal Court hearings scheduled for July 8, 2020 have been canceled. Those who had court hearings for this date will be notified of the rescheduled dates.
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 12:50 PM.