Coughing Incident
Tue, 2020-04-14
By now, the public is aware of the abhorrent actions of a member of the public which resulted in four members of the Bermuda Police Service having to be quarantined as a precaution to ensure they have not contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
It all stemmed from the arrest of an individual who deliberately coughed on two officers during an arrest for drink driving. The suspect who was also in breach of Shelter in Place Orders, claimed at the time, that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
His claims are yet to be confirmed.
Two other officers also became concerned for their safety after the individual sustained an injury as he struggled with them while being processed at the Hamilton Police Station.
All four officers have now been placed in quarantine for the next fourteen days.
This situation highlights the dangers faced by all frontline workers as we seek to ensure public safety in the face of what is a highly contagious disease.
Actions such as those faced by these officers will not be tolerated and anyone engaging in them will be made to feel the full brunt of the law.
Let this be a warning.
The members of the Bermuda Police Service are here to serve and protect and have done so in a professional manner, braving the dangers presented by these unprecedented times.
Let me reiterate, any action, by anyone, to further endanger the lives of our officers will not be tolerated and offenders will be made to feel the full brunt of the law.
