DC Assistant Fire Chief Positive for Coronavirus

A Washington DC Fire and EMS assistant chief has tested positive for the coronavirus and will be isolated at his home for the next two weeks, according to a message the department's chief shared with personnel on Monday.

DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory M. Dean said in the message that the unidentified assistant chief was tested after not feeling well over the weekend, marking the eighth positive test to hit the department amid the recent outbreak.

"Our Infection Control Group is working closely with DC Health Department officials to identify and contact any members who were potentially exposed to the assistant fire chief since Saturday, March 21," Chief Dean said in the message. "If you were in contact with him but have not been contacted by someone from our Infection Control Group, you should contact them to report your exposure or any suspected exposures."

The Chief stressed how important it is for personnel to continue using personal protective equipment to reduce exposure risks and asked "that you continue to take this pandemic seriously." He also suggested reaching out to the department's peer support structure for guidance and stress management.

"If you feel sick, do not come to work," the chief said. "Your health and safety are our top priority.”