Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:
At least one Chicago firefighter is refusing to go on call Wednesday morning amid growing concerns about the coronavirus. This comes as a paramedic tested positive for COVID-19. The firefighters’ union wants the entire fire house where the infected paramedic worked to be shut down. The city isn’t revealing which firehouse was impacted.
The infected paramedic is now in quarantine along with his partner, and the firehouse has been deep cleaned. The city doesn’t believe the paramedic who tested positive contracted the virus while responding to a call. He worked his shift Saturday, starting feeling sick Sunday, and got a positive test Monday.
A source within the fire department said that firefighters are not getting the results of COVID-19 tests from people they come into contact with on the job, who are showing symptoms. This is leaving them unsure of whether or not to quarantine.
While the department has given firefighters and paramedics protective gear and masks, a source within the department says those masks haven’t been spray tested, which ensures a proper fit.
