By Covid-19 confirmed at police custody suite
Cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at a West Midlands Police custody suite
Two staff members who work at the Oldbury custody suite in Sandwell have tested positive for Covid-19.
The two people are self-isolating for 10 days and attempts are being made to identify and contact any staff members who may have had contact with the individuals, so they may isolate at home for 14 days.
No members of the public detained in the block were assessed to have had significant contact with the infected individuals.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from West Midlands Police said: “West Midlands Police has worked in partnership with the Local Authority and Public Health England to ensure that those who may have been in close contact with the staff who have the virus are notified.
“We understand the anxiety and impact this virus has had and continues to have on people and assure you we have done everything necessary to minimise the risk.”
Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, said: “West Midlands Police sought public health advice in good time and all appropriate preventative actions have been taken. Their quick response will have served to minimise the risk of onward infection.”
Caryn Cox, consultant for communicable disease control with PHE Midlands, said: “West Midlands Police already has a rigorous cleaning regime in place to reduce risk of spreading Covid-19 in its premises, however we have advised that as an extra precaution, they perform an extra thorough clean of the entire custody block.”
Sandwell, which neighbours Dudley, was last week named as an area of concern by PHE following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases.
Recent figures saw Sandwell’s rate of infections rise to 28.1 per 100,000 people in the week up to July 27, up from 26.9.
