Two members of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Department tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Gregory Dean announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The two patients are reportedly both firefighters and work in the same firehouse as partners.
“The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) has been notified by D.C. Health that an additional member has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total confirmed cases in the department to two,” Dean said.
A statement from DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean. pic.twitter.com/lT16qrhW1R
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) March 18, 2020
Over 70 D.C. firefighters have been self-quarantined since the diagnosis of their infected colleagues.
The department, together with D.C. Health, is trying to identify any other members who possibly interacted with the second infected firefighter. Those potentially exposed to the two firefighters will be asked to self-quarantine.
Members of the fire department will now be checked for their health condition ahead of their shifts.
“The health and safety of our 2,044 members continues to be our top priority so that we remain in position to serve the residents of the District of Columbia,” Dean was quoted as saying by Fox 5 D.C.