Coronavirus: 6 Attleboro Firefighters Negative After Exposure

ATTLEBORO, MA — Six Attleboro firefighters and one dispatcher have tested negative for the new coronavirus after possible exposure to someone infected with COVID-19. One firefighter tested positive last week, with Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance and Attleboro Firefighters Local 848 President Paul Jacques saying on Friday that the firefighter who tested positive remains in isolation, and that two other firefighters were still awaiting test results and self-quarantining.

The firefighter who tested positive was one of five who were were put into self-quarantined and tested after coming into contact with a patient who tested positive last weekend.

"This remains a very fluid situation and we are monitoring things closely as we await more test results," Chief Lachance said. "While our department has been impacted, it will in no way affect the service we provide our residents and community members."

Attleboro fire said that since March 14 the department and its crews have transported 53 patients considered potential COVID-19 patients. As of Friday, 12 of those were confirmed positive.

"The need to immediately identify and isolate positive cases of our firefighters is crucial as our members are on the front lines of this pandemic," Local 848 President Jacques said. "Local 848 will remain dedicated to this incredibly important task of serving our residents in need while also taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this deadly disease."

The department announced last week that it was limiting public access to the stations to outside visitors for general, walk-in business until further notice.

The Attleboro Fire Department can be reached at 774-203-1922 or at its website https://attleborofire.com/.

Related Patch Coverage: Coronavirus: Attleboro Firefighter Tests Positive

Coronavirus: Attleboro Fire Department Access Restricted