Police officer makes it in time for birth of child after fast-tracked test gives negative result

PC Joe Burrows, baby Georgiana, wife Gemma and Leo
Greater Manchester Police

A police officer made it just in time for the birth of his child after his test for coronavirus was fast-tracked and gave a negative result.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Neighbourhood Officer Joe Burrows was sent for testing after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.

The next day, his wife Gemma went into labour a week early and, due to restrictions at the hospital, he wasn't able to be with his wife.

PC Burrows, who lives in Wigan but works in Bolton, contacted Superintendent Andrea Quinton, who is organising testing for GMP staff, to see if he could get his test results earlier than the scheduled 72 hours.

"Thankfully I was able to put the request to the National Testing Programme Team and they were able to push his test result through quickly," said Supt Quinton.

“Joe received his negative test result just eight hours after my call and I am really grateful he was able to attend the hospital to be with his wife just a few short hours before his baby girl was born at 1.50am the following day.”

PC Burrows, who also has a two-year-old son, Leo, said he was "slightly concerned" when he heard the news that Gemma had gone into labour early.

"Thankfully my test results were able to be fast-tracked through and after testing negative, I was able to head into the hospital to be with Gemma just in time to welcome our beautiful baby girl Georgiana into the world," said the proud dad.

“At this current time, it’s fantastic to be able to have some positive news to look back on and I’ll definitely be telling Georgiana all about this when she’s older.”

Supt Quinton added that the force is "extremely fortunate" to be in a position where they have the facility to test GMP officers and staff, alongside members of their family if they are displaying symptoms.​

The Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement that, as of 9am on Wednesday morning, 133,495 people have tested positive for coronavirus across the country.

DoH minister Lord Bethell said: “This heartwarming story shows another important benefit of mass testing – a huge congratulations to PC Burrows and his family on the birth of their daughter.

“The Government is rapidly scaling up the national effort to boost testing capacity for frontline workers to protect the vulnerable and ultimately save lives.

“New regional testing sites are helping to end uncertainty of whether key workers need to stay at home, meaning those who test negatively are able to return to work.”

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