The Bloomington Police Department and Monroe County Central Emergency Dispatch announced today they are adjusting some of their services in response to growing concerns of the novel coronavirus.
Monroe County Central Emergency dispatch will now ask people calling for medical assistance screening questions to gauge whether they have been exposed to the virus.
Callers will be asked:
-If someone in their household has tested positive for the coronavirus or has been exposed to someone who has.
-If the caller has a fever or cough.
-If the caller has travelled out of the US in the last 30 days.
Bloomington Police Public Information Officer Captain Ryan Pedigo says whether someone indicates they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or not, they will still receive medical assistance. The screening questions are meant to help responders take the proper precautions when arriving on the scene.
The Bloomington Police Department will begin directing nonemergency calls for an officer where a police report might be needed to their Online Reporting System. Or, they will take the report by telephone.
Emergency calls to BPD will not be affected.
Captian Pedigo says all officers are being encouraged to practice rigorous hygiene to keep themselves and the community healthy.
