A Kawartha Lakes Police officer assigned to the Support Services Division has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the police service, this is the first positive case among their ranks during the pandemic.

In a social media post, Chief Mark Mitchell noted they found out about the positive COVID-19 test on Saturday (Feb. 13) and by Sunday, more than 40 staff had been tested.

“As a result of the positive test, we are working with Kawartha Haliburton Public Health to ensure proper contact tracing is completed. The infected officer and three additional officers are currently self-isolating and following health guidelines,” reads a Feb. 16 release from police.

“We would like to thank the Ross Memorial Hospital and staff of the Kawartha Lakes Paramedics Service who quickly arranged and conducted over 40 COVID tests on our staff, all with negative results.”