Originally Posted on March 28, 2020

COVID and the National FOP

I have been in constant contact with National FOP President Patrick Yoes. We have discussed the shortage of PPE supplies for Chicago Police Officers. We were advised that this is not only a local issue, but a national issue as well.

The National FOP has been in talks with the federal government to get these much needed supplies into our hands as expeditiously as possible. Everyone has been thinking outside of the box. Clothing manufacturers, sports apparel companies, and distilleries have agreed to make changes to their normal production lines and concentrate their efforts to manufacture masks, gowns, and hand sanitizer.

The National FOP has also been in contact with our legislative leaders in Washington. New legislation is being drafted to ensure that any First Responder who is diagnosed with COVID-19 will be covered as an Injury on Duty claim.

COVID Exposure Procedures

The Lodge has received numerous questions about what to do if exposed to someone diagnosed with or suspected of having the COVID-19 virus.

The Department has issued updated Directives, Administrative Messages, and Information Bulletins on an almost daily basis. Keep yourselves as up-to-date as possible by checking the WIRE and other Department resources.

There are two things that are critical if you have been in contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. First, notify a supervisor and request that an Exposure Report and an IOD Report be completed. These reports need to be as detailed as possible and should include RD numbers, event numbers, CB numbers, etc. You should then immediately seek medical care and follow the doctor's written advice.

If you believe that you have been exposed to an infected person, you should notify a supervisor and request that an Exposure Report and an IOD Report be completed. These reports need to be as detailed as possible and should include RD numbers, event numbers, CB numbers, etc. You should then immediately seek medical care and follow the doctor's written advice.

If your supervisor refuses to complete these reports, please note his/her name, the name(s) of any witnesses, the date and time of the refusal and notify the Lodge. You should seek medical care on your own and follow your doctor's written advice as to whether you should report to work. The Lodge has filed a class grievance on this issue and we will get you reimbursed for your medical bills and any medical time properly classified as IOD time.

If you are sick, you should not go to work, notify your unit to put you on the medical roll, seek medical care and follow your doctor's written advice.

If any Department member orders you back to work and it is in conflict with your doctor's written advice and/or treatment plan, you should call the Lodge for assistance.

Kevin W. Graham

President Lodge 7