Posted on 04/01/2020 8:31:27 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Puerto Rico on Wednesday closed its fifth police station in a week, raising concerns about the U.S. territory’s ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic as officers accused the government of exposing one of the largest police departments in a U.S. jurisdiction to COVID-19.
More than 150 officers are under quarantine as dozens await test results on an island that has reported 11 deaths and more than 280 confirmed cases amid a month long curfew that has shuttered beaches, parks and non-essential businesses.
“It’s not fair that the government is dragging its feet. What do they want? To be left without police officers?” said Gregorio Matias, vice president of a local police union who demanded more protective equipment.
The first police station to close is located in the popular tourist town of Rincon, where the 42-year-old wife of one officer recently died from COVID-19. Also shuttered are police stations in Aguas Buenas, Caimito, Moca and San German.
Matias said the union requested protective equipment two months ago but has barely received any items.
“We are cannon fodder,” he said.
Police Commissioner Henry Escalera told The Associated Press that officers have items including gloves and hand sanitizers, and that his department is awaiting delivery of more items that will allow him to distribute 30 face masks to each officer, along with protective gowns.
“There’s a shortage,” he said. “We hope that they will arrive.”
Puerto Rico also has closed a 911 call center, a fire station in the island’s capital, a medical emergency response office and a municipal emergency management office.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
I’m hoping in his 2nd term, Trump appoints AOC as czarina of PR.
Ping!
Gitmo will do.
I’ve no I’ll will towards Puerto Ricans. Why saddle them with that nutcase.
Sending her to her ancestral home.
Just like they shuttered off hurricane relief supplies. They’ll find a way to blame Trump for it.
Interesting. The CDC weekly US Map of Influenza Summary shows they have widespread influenza too.
“There’s a shortage,” he said. “We hope that they will arrive.”
Why send anything. Remember the Hurricane supplies. They just rotted or were warehoused. IMO big waste of money, send it somewhere it will be appreciated.
Wondering when the left starts a Trump/Puerto Rico moment, like Bush/Katrina.
It’d be a shame if the rumor got started that that blonde bitch of a Mayor is sitting on a hoard of masks.
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