Dear COBA Members;

We learned earlier today that 3 of our Correction Officers have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. All protocols were followed and the Health Dept was notified. They have begun their investigation into these cases. The Health Dept and the Sheriffs Dept are in the process of identifying and notifying any staff that came in contact with those Officers so that they can complete their potential exposure documentation and monitor their individual situations.

I have spoken to all 3 of our Officers and each one is doing very well. Their symptoms are not severe and all are expected to fully recover.

I will not name the Officers because of privacy issues and urge anyone who becomes aware of the identities of these Officers to not publicize their names anywhere particularly on Social Media. There are potential legal ramifications if that occurs.  

I have had countless conversations with our staff, our Administration and the County Administration today.

As to where we are tonight:

1.) Governor Cuomo signed legislation that provides at least 14 days of paid Sick Leave for any municipal employee during any Mandatory or Precautionary ORDER of Quarantine or Isolation related to COVID-19. The operative words are MANDATORY and ORDER.

For purposes of this law, "mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation" shall mean an order issued by the State, the Dept of Health, local Board of Health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such Order due to COVID-19.    

As such, if you call in sick on your own you will be charged your own sick leave for any and all time you take. If you call in sick because you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (on or off duty) you should seek medical attention then notify your Supervisor or the Tour Commander who will then notify the Sheriff/Commissioner. They will notify the Health Dept. who will contact you and make the decision as to whether you should be ordered to isolate or not. If they do not make that order, you are expected to report to work.  

2.) Should you report to your Doctor or any other outside testing facility and are advised that you have tested positive for COVID-19 you are also to notify the Tour Commander immediately so that proper notifications can be made and the Health Dept can be notified at which time you will be given direction on quarantine or isolation.

3.) I have notified County Exec Curran and her Administration as well as the Sheriff that COBA demands to have all staff, both uniformed and civilian (at this time only civilian medical staff) screened for the any symptoms of the virus prior to entering any of our secured areas upon coming to work. We all know that the only way COVID-19 is going to be introduced into our facility is either through New Admit inmates, inmates currently under suspicion or from uniformed or medical staff entering our facilities or dealing with the Police Dept. I also demanded that all of our staff should be tested for COVID-19 due to the nature of our jobs. The Health Dept has consistently advised against that, only recommending testing upon showing symptoms. I have not received a response to this demand as of now and will follow up tomorrow.  

4.) It is my understanding that the Sheriff will be setting up a Command Post at our facility tomorrow, dedicated to COVID-19 issues. The full extent of what will be administered from this Command Post is not completed yet, but I was advised that a dedicated Departmental contact point should be put in place to answer any queries about the COVID-19 virus and how if affects our job functions. There should also be a more streamlined method of notification to the Sheriffs Dept and the Dept of Health regarding exposure and infection.  

In this time of crisis, please be assured that COBA is working diligently to ensure that all of our members who are exposed to and then become ill from COVID-19 are protected in every way with the benefits they deserve relating to an illness incurred in the line of duty. This is why documentation is so very important. I fully understand that you are all concerned not only for your own health but that of your family. We are all in this together and we will get through it together. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 do not risk your health or the health of your family or your partners. Seek medical attention and notify the job so that proper precautions can be taken.

Don't take advice from social media. Do not listen to rumors, and for God's sake don't start any.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and continue to take all Universal Precautions;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President