Coronavirus: Attleboro Firefighter Tests Positive

ATTLEBORO, MA — An Attleboro firefighter has tested positive for coronavirus. The firefighter was one of five who were were put into self-quarantined and tested after coming into contact with a patient who tested positive this weekend. Other firefighters are still awaiting results.

Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance and Attleboro Firefighters Local 848 President Paul Jacques made the announcement on Monday afternoon. The firefighter who tested positive has been isolated and is being supported and monitored due to public health guidelines. They said the results of the others tested will be announced, but nothing more about their identities will be revealed in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.

"Our members are on the front lines of this pandemic," Jacques said. "The circumstances experienced today are examples of the sacrifice and dedication our members show on a daily basis. The health and safety of our firefighters, their families and the residents of Attleboro remains our top priority."

Close contacts — defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes six weeks of a positive case — have been identified and are being contacted by health officials. They will be monitored on a daily basis while they are in quarantine to limit the risk of spread.

Chief Lachance and Jacques said the fire department will continue to respond to all emergencies and members are taking proper precautions when coming in contact with residents and community members.

"We are doing our best as a department to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 among our firefighters and personnel, while still providing the same level of service to the residents and community members we serve," Chief Lachance said. "We wish a speedy recovery for the firefighter who tested positive and will continue to stay on top of this situation as it unfolds."

The department announced today that it is 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/.

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Scott Souza can be reached at scott.souza@patch.com and found on Twitter @Scott_Souza.