Excerpts from nbcchicago.com:
Several dozen members of the Chicago Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the department to 46. Of those, nine employees have returned to duty as of Tuesday. Another 18 are currently quarantined after a confirmed exposure to the coronavirus.
When the department announced its first coronavirus case three weeks ago, the CFD was taking measures to protect its members from the disease, including dedicating specific ambulances for patients with suspected COVID-19. The department still has four ambulance dedicated for that purpose.
For now, all paramedics responding to respiratory calls or suspected COVID-19 patients are dressing in personal protective equipment including an N-95 mask, face shield and gloves. Paramedics who use a CPAP breathing machine on a patient, regardless of the call involving COVID-19, are sleeping in separate quarters to minimize possible exposure. Firehouses and ambulances are also undergoing thorough cleanings after contact with a coronavirus patient.
The Chicago police announced Tuesday that 112 of its members have tested positive for COVID-19. Last week a veteran undercover CPD officer died from the coronavirus.
