Quarantined Firefighters Test Negative For Coronavirus
CONCORD, NH — Nine Concord firefighters are returning to work after testing negative for the coronavirus. The nine had been quarantined to their homes earlier this week amid concerns the group had been potentially exposed to the virus while out on the job.
Initially the plan had been for the nine firefighters to self-isolate in their homes for 14 days, but the fire department now says all nine have been tested, and cleared to return for work after those tests all came back negative.
The Concord Fire Department says their firefighters are among those at the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus, and they are doing everything they can to protect those firefighters from the disease:
"The members of the Professional Firefighters of Concord NH IAFF Local 1045 will continue to be the frontline emergency workers along with the Concord NH Police Patrolmen's Association, IAFF Local 3195 and the Concord NH Police Supervisors and the many talented and hard-working healthcare professionals at Concord Hospital."
The fire department is also thanking the community for their support during the coronavirus outbreak.
At last report, nearly 500 people in Concord had been tested for the coronavirus and 16 people had been confirmed infected.
Help Stop The Spread Of COVID-19
COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.
Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:
Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so people should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.
Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:
Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e., social distancing).
Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Wash hands frequently.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.
Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.
This article originally appeared on the Concord Patch
