OH Firefighter Tests Positive for Coronavirus

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KENT, OH—A Kent firefighter and paramedic has tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus, the city announced Friday.

In a news release, a city spokesman said the employee is not a Portage County resident, and did not indicate where he resides or release other details about his age or identity.

“Fortunately, the employee took appropriate action after developing symptoms and has been off work since March 8,” the city said. “Kent paramedics began wearing protective masks even earlier than that, and those actions have even further reduced the risk of exposure to patients.”

Since the city learned about the confirmed case Thursday night, officials have been investigating each call and medical run involving the firefighter in order to alert citizens and fire department employees who may be at risk.

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Kent has temporarily closed the west side of the fire station for cleaning, and employees who were potentially exposed to the virus are being isolated, the city said.

“We have been preparing for cases in Portage County and among Kent employees not as a matter of 'if’ but ‘when,’” the city said. "We have planned for reduced staffing without reduced service. "

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES:

• International Association of Fire Fighters Tool Kit
• International Association of Fire Chiefs Resource Page
• EPA List of Disinfectants to Use Against COVID-19

The city has limited personal interaction between employees and citizens, increased cleaning practices and are taking employees’ temperatures at least twice a shift, among other measures.

“Our thoughts go out to the firefighter and his family, and we wish him a speedy and complete recovery,” the city said. “He has advised us that he and his family are doing fine. This is an all too real reminder of how important it is to be vigilant in following the guidelines to limit exposure and contain this virus.”

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