A New York City Department of Correction officer has tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to the head of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association. They provided little details, other than that the officer worked outside of the department's Security Operations Division.

It’s unclear how much interaction the officer has had with inmates. In response to the case, the union is calling for 10,000 heavy duty masks for its rank and file — masks that are equivalent to riot gear and sell for more about $315 a piece.

“We are correction officers. We can't work from home. We can't stay home,” said Elias Husamudeen, president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association. “If we stay home the 5,400 people in our custody will be coming across the bridge here in East Elmhurst and wherever else they end up. So we need the city to take us serious.”

The union also slammed the city for considering releasing vulnerable inmates from jails to protect them against the spread of COVID-19. 

The union says the city should focus on protecting correction officers.