Allegheny County sheriff’s deputy tests negative for covid-19; quarantined deputies to return to work

An Allegheny County sheriff’s deputy who was concerned he might have exposed fellow officers to the coronavirus has tested negative, officials said Friday.

Fifteen deputies who had begun self-quarantining in case they had been exposed will return to work Monday, Chief Deputy Kevin Kraus said.

“The affected deputy will remain off work until he is able to return,” Kraus said.

The 15 deputies were sent home Wednesday out of an abundance of caution, officials had said.

A deputy’s son’s girlfriend and mother recently traveled to Spain, Kraus said. While that deputy was out of town over the weekend, the girlfriend was at the family’s home.

Although the deputy was never in contact with his son’s girlfriend, he called his doctor, who instructed him not to come to the physician’s office.

“The deputy took precaution and he used a sick day on Tuesday,” Kraus said Thursday. The deputy reported to work Wednesday morning with possible symptoms.

According to Kraus, the deputy was in the sheriff’s office for about 10 to 12 minutes before he was ordered to leave and drive to a testing site. He came into contact with 15 other deputies during that time.

None of the 15 deputies sent home reported symptoms of the illness. They continued to receive pay while under self-quarantine.