Police Commissioner Dermot Shea rolled into the 40th Precinct in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx to personally deliver a message to cops: they are supported and very much valued during the coronavirus outbreak.

"We need you out there," Shea said. "I tell you right now, the people of New York City and the people of the (40th Precinct) need you out there."

As the virus affects more and more New Yorkers, police not only have to serve and protect, but they must protect themselves and their families.

The NYPD has 36,000 officers and almost 20,000 civilian employees. Shea says so far, only a small percentage of his overall workforce has tested positive for COVID-19.

"We have over 55,000 employees. By last count, I believe as I'm thinking in my head, we are at five confirmed cases within the NYPD out of 55,000," Shea said. "They all are doing relatively well, and they are not hospitalized. They are home recovering."

The commissioner this week is visiting police stationhouses across the city. He's telling officers to avoid having unnecessary staffing at crime scenes, and that instead of entering homes for non-emergency calls, ask people to come outside to talk.

"Keep people safe, but also keep yourselves safe, keep your partner safe," Shea said. "Maybe that means adapting a little bit when you are responding to a job. A little discipline at crime scenes."

With new rules on where and how people can gather, the NYPD will have an increasing role in fighting the coronavirus. The commissioner told officers they should be looking to educate people about the rules instead of punishing them for any violations.

"With the restaurants and the new orders coming down, common sense prevails as always, alright? We don't need a summons. We don't need an arrest," Shea said. "We're not necessarily looking that somebody needs to be further hurt when it's already real tough times."

Shea says regardless of what the NYPD's role is when it comes to the virus, cops will continue to fight crime as well.

"There's damn sure one constant: the NYPD will be there to keep people safe," Shea said. "So I thank you for what you do."