A woman police officer who works at the Riverside Plaza Divisional Headquarters tested positive for COVID-19, according to head of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Social and Welfare Association Inspector Gideon Dickson.
However, a statement from the TTPS does not confirm that the WPC tested positive for the virus, stating that it was a suspected case.
Nevertheless, it forced the closure of the building on Tuesday morning, the evacuation of three floors and close to 400 police officers. The Police Administration Building has also been closed.
In a statement, the TTPS said “Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith has ordered the immediate closure of Riverside Plaza and Police Administration Building, Port of Spain.” The statement did not confirm that the woman police officer tested positive for the virus.
The statement said “this follows unconfirmed reports of an employee of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) exhibiting flu-like symptoms at the workplace. The person has since been sent for testing.”
Guardian Media understands that the woman police officer who displayed symptoms worked on the 5th floor.
A source who spoke off the record told us one of three elevators at Riverside Plaza are functional, which makes it difficult for officers to social distance.
Inspector Dickson said a contact tracing list is being complied and officers who worked directly with her will be tested.
A sanitation company has also been contracted to sanitise the buildings and they will remain closed for the rest of the day. “Officers are anxious,” Dickson said.
The TTPSWA head said as a precautionary measure officers who work on the third and fourth floors of police admin were also sent home.
Reporter: Carisa Lee