Fairfax County Fire And Rescue Confirms First Coronavirus Case

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said Thursday a member has tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 respiratory illness.

The person has not been working since feeling ill on March 18. Testing occurred eight days later, and the member is recovering after experiencing mild symptoms. The member will not return to work until additional testing comes up negative.

The fire department said in a statement "this does not appear to be a job-related exposure." The member's assigned work location was not disclosed, but there have been no reported illnesses at the member's station or shift.

"We are grateful that this member of our fire and rescue family has recovered from their symptoms and are doing everything we can to support them and their family," said Fire Chief John Butler in a statement. "Throughout this COVID-19 outbreak, we have been continuously reviewing our policies to ensure we are following the recommendations from public health officials and putting practices in place for any potential exposure to our personnel."

No other Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, but 17 members are under self-quarantine from unrelated exposures.

Butler outlined the precautions the fire department is taking in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Personnel wear personal protective equipment when responding to a potential COVID-19 call. The protective gear worn includes a gown, gloves, N95 mask, eye protection and a face shield. The fire department also changed medical response procedures to allow one or two members to assess the patient while others remain outside the patient care area.

Dispatchers and paramedics will ask questions about symptoms and medical history during a call for rescue. Butler says providing accurate responses allows personnel to take precautions for their safety and provide the care the patient needs.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is fully staffing fire stations and apparatus. Contingency plans are being prepared to maintain consist services should calls for rescue increase. All fire stations are closed to the public.

As of Thursday, the Fairfax Health District has 690 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths. Public health information on COVID-19 illness is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus.