Police chief, mayoral aide test positive amid uptick of virus cases
Waterbury’s police chief and an adviser to the city’s mayor have tested positive for the new coronavirus, part of an uptick in COVID-19 cases within the city.
City officials reported 60 new confirmed virus infections among residents this weekend, including Chief Fernando Spagnolo and David Lepore, an advisor to Mayor Neil O’Leary.
Spagnolo said he has a fever and flu-like symptoms, but also feels well enough to continue working from home while in a two-week quarantine.
“I guess the fortunate thing with COVID is we have a pretty good method for working remotely,” Spagnolo told the Republican-American newspaper. “I feel good enough. If it gets to a point where I need to take time to rest, that’s what I’ll do.”
In a video posted to the Waterbury Police Department Facebook page Monday, Spagnolo said: “My symptoms are a fever, a scratchy throat, a little bit sore, but all in all
I’m feeling OK.”
The chief said he had been in contact with command staff at the police department. “We’re in good hands, good shape here in Waterbury,” he said.
“I would suggest all of you be mindful that we have had an uptick in COVID19 positive tests over the course of the last week or so here in Waterbury, please maintain social distancing, continue to use [personal protective equipment] and if you are feeling any symptoms or you have a fever, please contact your primary care physician and go get yourself a test,” Spagnolo said.
A Waterbury police spokesman said Monday that several other officers were quarantining while awaiting test results.
The mayor has tested negative for the virus, but plans to self-quarantine for at least two days before taking another test, said aide Adam Rinko, Waterbury’s emergency management director.
Some government offices, including the mayor’s officer were closed Monday for cleaning.