Covid: 'Significant pressures' on South Yorkshire Police as eight per cent of staff off sick

Chief Constable Lauren Poultney told police and crime comissioner’s public accountability board meeting on January 10 that 270 staff across the force have had a positive PCR test, and 184 are awaiting a PCR after a positive LFT test.

CC Poultney added that this has caused ‘significant pressures in key teams’, following outbreaks in the control room and in one of the force’s firearms support groups.

“Fortunately, none of these have impacted on our ability to carry out business as usual and all resilience cans have been put into place.

MORE HEALTH: Covid: South Yorkshire hospitals facing 'very high staff absence levels'

“We are asking staff at times to work additional hours we’re keeping people on or bringing them in early to help cover for some of the abstractions,” added CC Poultney.

As Omicron rates soar across the country, South Yorkshire Police are not the only public body facing staff shortages.

Hospitals in South Yorkshire are experiencing ‘very high staff absence levels’ as a result of Covid, with operating theatres closing and staff being asked to consider relinquishing annual leave.

MORE HEALTH: Covid in Sheffield: Nearly one in 50 people test positive as South Yorkshire infection rate rockets

At Rotherham Hospital, 559 staff are currently off sick, 310 of which have Covid or are isolating.

Ben Anderson, Rotherham’s director of public health says he expects the case rate to continue to rise for the next seven to 10 days, before they peak.