N.B. Mountie tests positive for COVID-19

A member of the Codiac Regional RCMP in New Brunswick has tested positive for COVID-19 following exposure to the virus while responding to a call for service.

The RCMP said in a news release on Sunday that police responded to a report of a disturbance in Moncton on Wednesday. While on scene, they learned that one of the individuals they were interacting with had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Members were wearing face coverings,” said Cpl. Hans Ouellette, media relations officer for the New Brunswick RCMP. “As soon as they became aware of the positive case, they followed protocols to limit their exposure and reduce the risk for anyone else. That includes rigorous sanitizing of equipment, self-isolation for the involved members and extensive COVID-19 testing.”

One member who attended the scene has since tested positive for COVID-19.

The New Brunswick RCMP is working closely with public health to carefully monitor and assess the situation, including providing extensive contact tracing information for members of the public who may have been in contact with the affected members. As it is possible the exposure was unrelated to the call for service, this includes a window prior to Wednesday’s incident. Precautionary testing and other measures are also underway for any RCMP employees with potential secondary exposure.

“I want to assure you, we are taking this situation very seriously, and public safety is our primary concern.”