Take the following steps to protect yourself and reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19.

Practice proper hand hygiene by promptly washing or sanitizing hands after coughing, sneezing, or physically interacting with others. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. 

Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth). 

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to dispose of the tissue immediately.1 Wash your hands with soap immediately after sneezing or coughing.

Avoid close physical contact with others, including shaking hands and hugging.

Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing, sneezing, or talking, when possible.

Promptly disinfect your gear including your duty belt after physical contact with any individual.

Keep disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in an easily accessible place while on-duty.

Wear a mask if coming into contract with someone who has the COVID-19 virus and make sure to know how to properly use and dispose of it. 

Educate yourself and participate in the training on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for respiratory protection, if available at your agency. Ensure only trained personnel wearing appropriate PPE have contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19.

Make sure to know your agency’s plans and protocols for exposure control.

Seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

COVID-19-infected droplets may be able to live on nearly any surface. Consider sanitizing items you frequently touch during a shift:

• Phone
• Laptop
• Clipboard

Patrol car equipment:

• Steering wheel
• Gear shift
• Dispatch radio module
• Door handles and edges

Resources for Law Enforcement: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ guidance-law-enforcement.html

https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/ppe/ppe-sequence.pdf

1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html

3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-law-enforcement.html

4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf