ARLINGTON, Va. — A firefight in Arlington County has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to county officials.
The firefighter is reportedly doing well and managing the illness at home.
The Arlington County Public Health Division has been involved with this case and has investigated any potential exposures to other people and patients who came in contact with the firefighter.
The fire department said it, "has taken precautions to limit exposure to its employees and the public. The department is regularly researching best practices and recommendations from public health authorities and has implemented new Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) procedures along with its partners at Virginia Hospital Center." (View the equipment and appearance changes.)
The department also is adjusting its medical response procedures to continue to provide care while limiting the number of first responders who make close contact with patients.
A seventh death has been reported in Virginia from the coronavirus. The latest life to be lost is a man in his 70s with underlying medical conditions. He lived in Virginia Beach.
As a reminder, people can slow the spread of coronavirus by:
- Frequently washing hands
- Social distancing
- Coughing into a tissue and immediately washing hands
- Staying at home if you feel sick