'We’re not through this pandemic yet': Leading police officer who battled Covid-19 urges caution

A senior police officer in the West Midlands who suffered from coronavirus to urged people to remain vigilant amid the pandemic.

Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby spent almost two weeks in intensive care at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after being admitted on March 29.

The father-of-three was placed on a ventilator days later and he was unable to breathe for himself – with oxygen levels plummeting.

But now he has started a phased return to work as part of his recovery – and called for people to remain cautious.

WATCH the officer speak about his ordeal:

"There seems to be an air of public confidence that the virus has passed but we need to be cautious as if people get blasé the R number can increase and we’ll see the death rate climbing again.

"I don’t have any lingering health issues as a result of Covid-19. The virus can cause blood clots so I’m on blood thinning medication but that’s about it. I know I’ve been lucky – but many people haven’t and more than 40,000 have now lost their lives.

"For all I know I may now be immune to the virus having built-up antibodies in my system – but the science is unclear so I can’t take any risks.

"I know how awful this disease is…and I would urge others to also be cautious because we’re not through this pandemic yet."

Ch Supt Dolby spent most of his time in hospital heavily sedated as doctors and nurses kept him alive while his body fought back against the virus.

And on April 21 he returned home to be with his family after ringing the hospital ward's bell to signal he was being discharged.

The senior officer, who heads up West Midlands Police's Criminal Justice Services team, is now recuperating at home – working with a physio to rebuild his strength and getting on his bike to improve his cardio fitness.

He started his phased return to work on Monday – but has already been warned he risks a "red card" if he tries to take on too much.

The father-of-three, who is shielding at home, said: "My wife and one work colleague have both been issued with red cards which they will brandish in my direction if they see me overdoing it…and if so it means I have to put the phone down and step away from my laptop.

"The plan is to do four or five hours a day for the first few weeks and then hopefully return to full time. But I’m still shielding for the foreseeable future so like many people across the country I’ll be working remotely.

"On Monday I joined an online leadership meeting with senior officers and caught up with my team on Skype; I got a round of applause which was very touching. I’m still overwhelmed and so thankful for all the support I’ve received.

"I’ve got lots of reading to do and there’s plenty to catch up on: 10 weeks is a long time in policing."