Kansas City firefighter tests positive for coronavirus
A Kansas City firefighter has tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to a fire department spokesman.
The firefighter, who works on a fire truck, is currently in good condition and is recovering from the virus, said Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Walker of the Kansas City Fire Department.
According to a statement from the fire department released Thursday, the firefighter notified the department’s designated representative on March 20 that they felt ill. The firefighter was then tested for the disease, which came back positive on March 25.
The firefighter and seven other fire department personnel are currently in self quarantine, Fire Chief Donna Maize said in a video update Thursday afternoon.
Maize said local health department officials don’t believe anyone else was in contact with the firefighter. The department is not releasing the firefighter’s name.
The fire department stated it will continue to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency rescue and hazardous material response to the city’s residents amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“KCFD has been planning for this COVID response for about six weeks,” Maize said, encouraging residents to continue following the city’s stay at home order. “Help us protect our protectors by staying home, washing your hands, and if you have mild flu-like symptoms, call your primary care physician first.”
As of Thursday, the Kansas City Health Department has identified and confirmed 58 cases of COVID-19 in the city.
In Missouri, at least 502 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the state department of health announced earlier Thursday. Eight people have died from the disease.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 3:27 PM.
