In the case of a COVID-19 outbreak in Bethel, residents will still need access to public safety, emergency responders, and potable water. City officials explained how they are making sure these positions are well-staffed, and how the services would keep running even if personnel get sick.
A number of Bethel police officers work a two-week-on, two-week-off schedule. Oftentimes, those officers leave Bethel and travel out of state during their time off. Acting City Manager Bill Howell said that for the time being, those officers are staying put in Bethel.
“All these traveling police officers have agreed to stay past their two-week shift,” Howell said.
Acting Bethel Police Chief Amy Davis says that staffing levels have never looked better. “We have more officers in town than we ever have, really,” Davis said.