Civilian employee of Elgin Police Department tests positive for COVID-19

A civilian employee of the Elgin Police Department tested positive for COVID-19, officials said late Thursday.

The employee's last work day was March 22. The employee was tested Tuesday and was informed Wednesday that the test result was positive, according to a news release.

The police department learned of that Thursday and immediately conducted a review to determine whether any employees or members of the public could have been potentially exposed to COVID-19 by the affected employee, the news release said.

"That review revealed no information that requires the department to take any further precautionary measures beyond what protocols and safeguards are currently in place," the release said.

In a statement, Police Chief Ana Lalley said, "We are saddened to learn that one of our own team members is now part of the growing number of individuals who are suffering from COVID-19 and will do whatever is necessary to offer support during this challenging time. We send good thoughts and wishes to our employee during this time and we are also mindful of our responsibility to ensure that other department members and the community are safe."

Earlier Thursday evening, during an live Facebook chat that also featured Fire Chief Robb Cagann, Lalley said there was "possibly" an employee who tested positive and that more information would be released later.

"I am grateful for all of the precautionary actions taken by the department in early March to help protect our team and limit interactions and potential exposures to others," Lalley said.

Cagann said 10 firefighters have self-isolated at various times due to exposure to patients who later tested positive, but no fire department employees have tested positive.