The Coronavirus circumstances have been reminiscent, in many respects, to our experiences with 9/11 and the environmental fallout from that catastrophic event. Since we are still dealing with post-9/11 illness 19 years later, we urge all members now to learn from the lessons of 9/11, and document, to your best ability, everything that now happens with respect to the Coronavirus during your daily work shift.
We cannot stress enough how important it is that you have a record of any and all interaction you may have with anyone you believe has, or has been exposed to, the Coronavirus.
We strongly encourage members to file Line of Duty paperwork and get an Exposure Number if you come into contact while on duty with an individual who exhibits signs of a serious respiratory illness or who has tested positive for the NOVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Symptoms of the virus include difficulty breathing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever.
If you are denied an Exposure Number, document the name and rank of the person who denied it.
However, even in those situations where the Department will not provide an Exposure Number to a member (because the individual with whom you have interacted has not actually tested positive for the virus), but where you still suspect, based on the circumstances present, that the individual may have the virus or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with having the virus, you must thoroughly document such interaction in your activity log and command log. (Please retain a photocopy or photograph of your notations with a time and date stamp.) Make a notification to your immediate Supervisor. Entries must have sufficient information so that you will be able to complete the appropriate paperwork (e.g. Line of Duty injury report) should the need arise in the future. The more information the better.
Take all precautions necessary to safeguard your health and safety.
The DEA will always be in your corner, fighting for the rights and safety of our members.
