The Bloomington Fire Department says one of three firefighters recently quarantined after potential exposure to the new coronavirus has tested positive for COVID-19.
A news release from the department says it was notified of the firefighter's confirmed exposure to the virus on March 23 and proceeded to isolate them from the crews and placed them on self-quarantine. It then conducted a thorough cleaning and decontamination of the station and equipment used by the firefighter.
BFD says the firefighter has experienced only mild symptoms and is expected to make a full recovery.
“Our department is committed to the safety of our residents and the firefighters who serve them,” said Bloomington Fire Chief Jason Moore. “We are focused on adapting to this changing threat and making sure we are proactively managing the risks so we can continue to provide essential emergency services to our community. Everyone in the community should continue to practice physical distancing, handwashing, and other CDC protocols to limit spread of COVID-19.”
BFD says it is working to identify any people who may have come into contact with the infected firefighter and will follow CDC and Indiana State Dept. of Health protocols. It is unknown whether this positive case was included in the 16 Monroe County COVID-19 cases reported Saturday by the ISDH.
According to the release, the two other firefighters currently self-quarantining are asymptomatic and will return to work April 7 pending medical clearance.
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