Officer, partner and newborn all hit by Covid -19
FAMILY GOT VIRUS AFTER RETURN TO WORK FOLLOWING PATERNITY LEAVE
A LEICESTERSHIRE police officer, his partner and their newborn child all contracted coronavirus after he returned to work following paternity leave.
Detective Constable Dan Roberts has told how all three members of his family tested positive for Covid-19.
The detective, who is based at Coalville Police Station, welcomed his first child, Marty, in September.
After returning to work from paternity leave, he began to feel unwell and was quickly diagnosed with coronavirus.
Soon after, Marty was also diagnosed with the virus and spent a night in hospital for observation.
While Marty’s care continued at home, Dan’s partner also contracted coronavirus.
Det Con Roberts said: “As an organisation we have all been working tirelessly through the pandemic and in turn exposing ourselves and our families to an increased risk on a daily basis.
“This is just my story of how it has affected us during the first few weeks’ of my son’s life but for me, my colleagues and each other, please continue to follow the government guidance for where you live.”
Det Con Roberts, his partner and baby Marty are all now on the mend.
The detective has revealed his story in a bid to appeal to people to continue to follow the coronavirus restrictions.
A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “While policing continues during the pandemic we’re asking people to keep following the regulations to protect our officers, their families and each other.”
Superintendent Adam Slonecki said: “This year’s festive celebrations are certainly going to be very different for us all following what has been a very difficult and challenging year for many.
“While we may not be able to socialise in the ways we usually would in the lead up to Christmas, we hope that people will still be trying to enjoy the festive season as much as they can with their households or support bubbles while adhering to government guidelines.
“We have continued to plan ahead of this month to ensure we have resources in place to work with you to keep you safe and to allow you to enjoy the festive season as much as you can.
“This includes ensuring we have high visibility patrols in place as well as planning our response to potential incidents during what are usually some of the busiest nights of the year for us.
“We will be out and about and we will be there to help you, to keep you safe and to respond quickly and effectively to reports and incidents when we are required.
“What we ask from you is that you continue to work with us during this time too, adhering to government guidelines and keeping yourselves and your families safe.
“Thank you for working with us in this way and thank you to all of our officers and staff who once again are giving up time with their own families during the festive season to help keep the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safe.”