Frontline workers and first responders are still out doing their jobs on a day-to-day basis, and as such are that much more likely to come into contact with COVID-19. With that in mind, perhaps it was no surprise that the RCMP should see one of their members infected with the virus. 

The Saskatchewan RCMP announced on the afternoon of Monday, March 30, that one of their members had officially been diagnosed and tested positive. The member in question had already been self-isolating, having suspected they might've come into contact with an infected person. 

"On March 25, 2020, a Saskatchewan RCMP police officer was advised by the Saskatchewan Health Authority they may have been exposed to COVID-19," the RCMP said in a statement. "The officer immediately self-isolated as per the direction given by the Saskatchewan Health Authority."

The officer's test came back on March 28 and it turned out he had tested positive for COVID-19. They are still self-isolating at the advice of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and their condition will be monitored. The officer in question is stationed in Prince Albert. 

"The Saskatchewan RCMP is following all directions given by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in relation to this positive test result," said the RCMP statement. "This includes disinfecting any areas the officer may have been in as well as working with SHA investigators to ensure the officer’s co-workers are notified and follow the direction given by the SHA."

The RCMP added that they have upped the rate at which they clean both their workspaces and their vehicles, as well as taking protective measures in the field. Carlyle RCMP Staff Sergeant Darren Simons said his officers have all been diligent at this so far. 

"We're adjusting well," he said. "Members generally are very flexible and changing their schedule if required, modifying things if required. We're trying to keep apart as much as we can from each other so we don't possibly infect each other if one of us catches it. We're cleaning a lot more than we ever have. Our vehicles are probably the cleanest they've ever been."

The RCMP also said you can expect to be asked a series of questions if you come into the department, and that face-to-face interactions outside of emergencies will be limited. There is no update on the officer's condition at this time.