Coronavirus has been making its way through the Lexington E-9-1-1 Department. Employees there are responsible for taking emergency calls and making connections with public safety departments. E-9-1-1 Director Jonelle Patton said four staff members tested positive for COVID Friday. By Tuesday, that number had grown to ten.
“We have activated our backup center, which is at 150 East Main Street. And we’re using that dually with our main location. So, employees, for instance, who did not work at all last week or could have been immune compromised or expecting…things of that nature…we’re sending then down there,” said Patton.
Patton noted E-9-1-1 workers are used to dealing with emergencies and are still able to provide all needed assistance to the Lexington community. Some recent hires in the division are making a big difference.
“The 16 people that we hired last year that we still have this year are working and happy to do so and the public has not seen an impact. And we’re prepared to handle the situation,” said Patton.
Patton said two of those employees testing positive last week have returned to work. And the director doesn’t anticipate overtime hours to increase.
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