While responding to a medical call on Sunday, March 15, two individuals with the City of Twin Falls Fire Department, as well as members of Magic Valley Paramedics, were exposed to a patient who later tested positive for COVID-19. Both seemed to be in good spirits and not exhibiting any symptoms at this time.
In an abundance of caution and according to the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control, the firefighters and paramedics are self-isolating.
We do not believe any other employees in the Fire Department, or any other department, were exposed. Exposure is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or longer without protective clothing or equipment.
The Twin Falls Fire Department is continuously reviewing protocol for responding to emergency calls, and it may make additional changes to protect firefighters and the public against the spread of COVID-19.