SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Several staff members of the Sioux City Police Department have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the department said in a statement, even as the outbreak continues to climb in Iowa.

Sgt. Jeremy McClure with the department released a statement Thursday confirming that the virus had reached the office’s ranks, but said the department would not release which or even how many employees have been infected in an effort to protect their privacy. Those with the virus are recovering in isolation, he said.

“Our essential services have not been impacted and we maintain full capabilities to respond to 911 and citizen calls for service,” McClure said in the statement.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Sioux City's report came as state officials reported the number of Iowans testing positive for COVID-19 increased by 125 on Thursday, another single-day record, bringing the total to 1,270. Twenty-nine people in Iowa have died from the virus.

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