PITTSBURGH, PA (October 21, 2020) – Pittsburgh Public Safety continues to take the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic extremely seriously. Recent cases of possible exposures across the Public Safety bureaus serve as a constant reminder of the prevalence of the virus.
A Pittsburgh Bureau of Police zone officer recently tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in a number of other officers and supervisors being placed in isolation or quarantine pending test results or medical clearance.
As a result, Public Safety is taking additional precautions in an effort to prevent its personnel from the contracting the virus.
Effective immediately, Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich has suspended all in-person training programs and inter-unit rotations for Police, Fire, and EMS until after the election period.
“Protecting Public Safety personnel is of paramount importance at all times, but even more so during this pandemic. That requires keeping our personnel healthy so there is a full complement of first responders ready and available to serve and protect Pittsburgh residents and visitors,” Director Hissrich said.
Compliance with wearing masks and practicing social distancing will continue to be emphasized and enforced across all of the Public Safety bureaus.
In addition, Pittsburgh Public Safety acknowledges that there is a heightened level of interest in how its personnel are preparing ahead of the federal election on Tuesday, November 3. We are working closely with Allegheny County and all of our local, state and federal partners to prepare for all contingencies.
While the bureaus do not provide specific operational details, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will be moving to 12-hour shifts from November 2 until November 8. All pass days, personal days and holidays will be cancelled during that time.
