A Dorset Police officer who tested positive for Covid-19 days after policing a high-profile anti-lockdown rally in Bournemouth has now been admitted to hospital after becoming unwell last night, with a suspected blood clot on his lung.
The male officer, 40, was part of the policing operation of the so-called ‘anti-lockdown’ protest in Bournemouth on 9 January.
He is still receiving treatment whilst his family are at home waiting for news.
Dorset Police Federation is supporting his family and colleagues at this time.
Anna Harvey, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said:
“This is a stark reminder of the extra risks our officers are facing on a daily basis.
“As I have previously said, police officers do not have a choice – they can’t stay at home they have to protect our communities.
“It saddens me to say that there is every chance this officer would not be in this position if police officers had been prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Warm words about how brave police officers are from the Government are not enough. Police officers are being put at risk. Our colleague is now another hospital patient that creates more pressure on our NHS.
“It’s simple to protect the police, and ultimately you protect the health service. To keep people safe, we need to keep the police safe.
“What I want now from the Government is action.
“We hear from the Home Secretary today that the police service is being told to “get ready” for the vaccine. But when will officers actually get the vaccine so that no more of our colleagues end up in hospital?
“It’s so frustrating as I know that local health professionals are supportive of front-line workers having access to the vaccine but the ultimate decision sits with Government.”
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I wish the Officer a swift and complete recovery.
This is a very sad story but makes one question the efficacy of masks. The only true defence against Covid is a full on respirator, which is hardly practical.
I am afraid that a lot of people get all sorts of horrible illnesses at any stage of life and Covid has now been added to that grim list.
Despite all the numbers spewing out of the BBC, the simple fact remains that the vast majority of the nation is fine. We are told that ICUs are bursting at the seams, which is doubtless true. However, it would be helpful to know average percentage occupancy at this time of year.
Let me assume 80% of a ten bed unit. If three extra people are admitted for whatever reason, the system is under stress. If 5 extra people turn up, it is in trouble. If 10 extra people turn up, it is in crisis. Yet in overall percentages of the population served by a large hospital, the numbers are tiny. If yet more people turn up, that is what the Nightingale Hospitals are for, yet they remain unused.