‘I feel fine’: CMPD chief Jennings tests positive for COVID-19
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings announced Tuesday afternoon that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Jennings said over Twitter that he had quarantined at home “several days ago” after he learned he had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.
The announcement marks the first time a top Charlotte city official announced a positive test for the disease that has infected over 15 million people in the U.S.
“Outside of being a bit fatigued, I feel fine and continue to conduct department meetings from home,” he said.
Jennings added that CMPD’s daily operations will continue and urged citizens to follow health guidelines.
CMPD Deputy Chief Jeff Estes told the Observer that no other members of the department’s executive staff are quarantined.
Estes declined to say how many CMPD officers are currently in quarantine or have tested positive for coronavirus.
CMPD has not said how and when Jennings was exposed to the virus.
According to CMPD spokesman Rob Tufano, Jennings started quarantining on Dec. 4 as soon as he learned he had been exposed to the virus.
Jennings attended Charlotte City Council’s Safe Communities meeting in person on Dec. 1. All participants wore a mask throughout the hourlong meeting.
A Dec. 3 post from Jennings’ Twitter account also shows him standing outside a building with Charlotte’s “Secret Santas.”
According to previous reporting by the Observer, the program partners with police officer to hand out $100 as a random act of kindness in low-income communities during the holiday season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published December 8, 2020 at 4:30 PM.
