By Jason Murdock
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A Florida man took a novel approach in an unsuccessful attempt to evade arrest this week: sticking a handwritten sign to his door that claimed he was infected with COVID-19.
Joshua Price, in his 20s, was detained by officers from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, who said they wore protective gear to make the arrest. When they approached the suspect's home, they were met with a sign stuck to the door with tape which read: "COVID19 infected since 4/8/20."
The self-made warning was not enough to deter deputies, who were seen in a photo on the agency's Facebook account, leading the suspect to a police vehicle in handcuffs.
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"Placing a fake 'Covid-19' sign on your door will not stop us from kicking it in when you have felony warrants for your arrest," the Putnam County Sheriff's Office wrote.
The department confirmed the arrest took place on Thursday at Will Tillis Road in Bardin and said there was no indication that he actually had contracted the infectious disease.
"Deputies and detectives used protective gear when arresting 28-year-old Joshua Price on Will Tillis Road in Bardin this afternoon on felony flee, elude law enforcement and violation of probation warrants," the sheriff's office Facebook post added.
"The investigation revealed that the suspect created the fake sign as his idea to avoid arrest. Price has been booked into the county jail with no indication that he has been exposed to COVID-19."
Jail records, used to confirm the current charges and personal details of the suspect, listed Price as being 27-years-old, not 28. Local media outlet WFTV reported the suspect as being 28. The Florida sheriff's office public information team has been contacted for clarification by Newsweek.
The charge of fleeing and eluding is considered a third-degree felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison or five years of probation, according to Florida law firm Hussein and Webber.
The legal outfit explains: "[It] is the failure of a driver to stop or remain stopped upon order by a duly authorized law enforcement officer. Fleeing and eluding is a serious criminal offense, with felony penalties that may include prison and a mandatory driver's license revocation."
There have now been at least 46 positive cases of the novel coronavirus in Putnam County, according to Florida Health. The state has recorded more than 22,000 infections to date. The U.S. has more than 671,400 confirmed COVID-19 cases, topping major hotspots including France, Spain and Italy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19
- CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
- Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
- Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
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