ESCONDIDO–On March 15, the Escondido Fire Department was made aware that a firefighter paramedic tested positive for COVID-19.
Several days earlier, while off-duty, the employee was in contact with other people who subsequently tested positive.
The firefighter had recently been at work, but was asymptomatic during that time. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), he presented a very low risk to any members of the public that he may have interacted with at work because he did not have active symptoms such as a fever or cough. As a precaution, the Escondido Fire Department will be notifying all patients that may have been contacted by this employee.
The firefighter is currently quarantined at home, has very mild symptoms and is resting comfortably. All guidelines have been followed per the CDC.
Other Escondido Fire Department staff who were in contact with him at work have no symptoms, tested negative for COVID-19 and are being quarantined and monitored according to procedures.
“The health and safety of our community remains our highest priority. Please continue to follow Federal, State and County guidelines including social distancing if you must leave your home, and always practice good hygiene including thoroughly washing your hands,” Escondido Fire Chief Rick Vogt said.
