Two police staff members at Oldbury custody suite test positive for Covid-19
Two members of staff at West Midlands Police have tested positive for coronavirus and are now self-isolating. Both employees work at the force's custody suite, in Oldbury
Public Health England [PHE] has advised West Midlands Police to give the custody suite - which holds people who have been arrested - a thorough clean.
A force spokesman said no prisoners have had significant contact with the infected staff members.
Health officials are also trying to see if other staff members had contact with them.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell's director of public health, said police contacted public health teams "quickly", which has minimised the risk of further infections.
"West Midlands Police sought public health advice in good time and all appropriate preventative actions have been taken," she said.
"Their quick response will have served to minimise the risk of onward infection."
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Caryn Cox, consultant for communicable disease control with PHE Midlands, said: "We are working closely with the local authority and West Midlands Police to ensure that all individuals who may have had significant contact with the two staff members are isolating for 14 days, as per national guidance.
"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."
The two staff members are now self-isolating for 10 days. Any staff members who are found to have been in contact with them will be asked to isolate for 14 days.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb added: "Today, we were made aware that two members of our custody staff at Oldbury, had tested positive for Covid-19.
"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."
