A second Austin Police Department employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, the department announced Tuesday.
The department reported the first case Monday. One employee is a police officer, and the other is a civilian. Both employees are currently in quarantine in their homes, Austin police officials said Tuesday.
The Police Department has notified other employees who may have come in contact with these two employees, officials said.
Austin police officials decided earlier this month that officers will respond to fewer non-urgent calls in order to slow the spread of the virus. Officers will no longer respond to crashes if the vehicles remain drivable and no one is injured. In addition, police will no longer send officers to calls that can be addressed through online or phone reporting, including property crimes.
Police officers also have been directed to maintain a distance of 3 to 6 feet from people and to avoid shaking hands, according to a recent memo. Officials restricted access at the Austin Police Department headquarters and its substations to prevent unnecessary contact.
Officers will still respond normally to 911 calls in which life or property is at immediate risk, police said.
CORONAVIRUS IN TEXAS: What we know, latest updates
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