Stratford Firefighter Tests Positive For Coronavirus

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford firefighter has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Mayor Laura Hoydick confirmed that the firefighter had the virus during her report at a Town Council meeting Tuesday, held remotely via video conference.

The firefighters who work the same shift as the person who tested positive have been under self-quarantine for 14 days and are set to return to work Wednesday, according to Hoydick. Six town employees had tested positive for the virus as of Tuesday, including the firefighter and Finance Director Jay Wahlberg, who died Thursday from virus-related complications.

As of Tuesday, 14 Stratford residents had died after contracting the virus and there were 281 confirmed cases in town.

Stratford Emergency Medical Service staff are being checked for symptoms before they start work, Hoydick said, noting the agency is mainly getting calls about the virus.

“We have received tremendous public support,” Hoydick said, citing donations of personal protective equipment and other offers to help the town amid the outbreak.

Although emergency personnel have access to protective equipment, the town still needs N95 masks and gowns, according to Hoydick.

During her update, Hoydick also said Stratford officials had contacted big box stores in town to confirm the retailers are following best practices for safety. Additionally, the town has reached out to funeral directors to provide assistance as they prepare for an increased workload, she said.

The council observed a moment of silence Tuesday in memory of Wahlberg and Eugene Harkins, who is the father of former mayor John Harkins and who died April 9 due to a virus-related illness.

Hoydick remembered Wahlberg for his “kind countenance” as well as his sense of humor and experience, while council Chair Christopher Pia offered the Wahlberg family condolences on behalf of the council.