Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Firefighter Tests Positive For COVID-19; 7 Other Firefighters In Self-Quarantine
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Pittsburgh firefighter has tested positive for coronavirus, while seven other firefighters have been instructed to self-quarantine.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Public Safety said the firefighter who tested positive began experiencing flu-like symptoms on March 27 and has not worked since March 26.
The firefighter is the first member of Pittsburgh Public Safety to test positive.
The firefighter is now in self-isolation, and equipment used by the firefighter is being cleaned.
"I think we've been trying to prepare for this day for several weeks now," said Ralph Sicuro, president of the International Association of Firefighters Pittsburgh Local 1
Officials say they identified seven firefighters who came into contact with the firefighter on March 26.
They have been instructed to self-quarantine until April 9, and none are showing symptoms.
Officials are checking in daily with the firefighters.
"We are obviously a bit nervous about how bad this is going to get for our men and women that are out there on the front line," Sicuro said. "But we believe we have plans in place to limit the spread of this virus within our ranks."
