The NYPD said that 6,718 uniformed members were on sick report Sunday, which accounts for 18.6% of the department’s uniformed workforce.
While the percentage of the NYPD members out sick continued to rise, the rate at which it increased has slowed in recent days — only increasing .6% since three days ago compared to April 1 and 2, when the department saw a 1% increase over a one-day span.
As of Sunday, 1,843 uniformed members and 274 civilian members tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), which increased from 1,775 uniformed members and 260 civilian members Saturday, according to the NYPD.
The Advance/SiLive.com previously reported that state police and officers from upstate communities could serve as reinforcements to the department if the sick rate reached a point that endangered the safety of residents.
“If NYPD [employees] are getting sick … the backfill will come from state police,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last week.
State police already have jurisdiction in New York City, while officers serving communities upstate could be deputized, however, “the NYPD is so large, I don’t know that we get to that point,” Cuomo said.
The NYPD also announced the death of Auxiliary Police Sergeant Angel Leon, who was assigned to the 43rd Precinct in the Bronx and became a member of the NYPD on Sept. 24, 1981. Leon died Saturday from coronavirus-related complications, the department said.
On Saturday, the NYPD announced the deaths of Auxiliary Police Lieutenant Pierre Moise, who died on March 28 of complications due to coronavirus, and School Safety Agent Linosee Mosley, who died Friday due to coronavirus complications.
The NYPD on Friday announced the coronavirus-related death of School Safety Agent Luis Albino, who became a member of the department on May 30, 2000.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said on Twitter that Officer Lynford Chambers died last Thursday due to coronavirus complications. “Our prayers are with his friends & family during this difficult time,” Shea said.
The Advance/SiLive.com previously reported at least six other NYPD members have died as a result of the virus.
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