Concern in South Yorkshire as over 800 cops test positive for Covid-19

Figures gathered in a Freedom of Information Act request show that at least 849 officers have been infected with Covid-19 during the pandemic.

But nearly half of UK forces did not reply so the real number is expected to be far higher.

The South Yorkshire branch of the Police Federation said nationally several police officers have been severely ill and in comas due to contracting coronavirus and a small number have died.

Chairman Steve Kent said: “The force has been absolutely clear about the expectations and the guidelines in terms of officers working together more often in pairs, officers wearing face masks in cars.

“Whatever people’s personal opinions on the way the crisis unfolds, they need to apply common sense and adhere to the rules for their colleagues as well as themselves, for the whole big picture.

“Thankfully, we’ve not seen as many officers falling as ill as we’d anticipated. There’s not been many occasions of officers being gravely ill, which is a massive relief. But that doesn’t allow us to be complacent.

“We’ve got to carry on until everybody’s been vaccinated, just carry on doing these simple measures. And I think muscle memory is setting in when it comes to wearing masks.”

He added: “Well done to the officers. They’re doing a great job of adopting the measures and keeping themselves safe.”