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17 Mich. officers self-quarantining after potential COVID-19 exposure

None of the officers are displaying symptoms despite prolonged contact with someone diagnosed with the virus, officials said

Marie Weidmayer
MLive.com

JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. — A total of 17 law enforcement employees in Jackson County have self-quarantined after potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has two employees in self-quarantine and Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety has 15, officials said.

One Blackman-Leoni officer had symptoms consistent with COIVD-19, Director Mike Jester said. The officer’s test results are not back yet, but the officer is feeling better, he said.

The 14 other officers self-quarantined because they had close and extended contact with the sick officer, Jester said. Two of the officers returned to work Wednesday, March 26, six return Saturday, March 28, and the final six return Monday, March 30.

As of Wednesday, none of the 14 officers in self-quarantine have symptoms, Jester said. He said the department has guidance from the Jackson County Health Department and are using guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Any staff member who feels ill is ordered to stay home, Jester said.

While there are two sheriff’s office employees in self-quarantine, Sheriff Steve Rand said there are no confirmed cases within the office as of Wednesday, March 25.

The Jackson Police Department does not have any employees in self-quarantine, Director Elmer Hitt said.