ATTLEBORO — Chief Scott Lachance and Attleboro Firefighters Local 848 President Paul Jacques confirmed today that the City of Attleboro has been notified by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) officials that one Attleboro firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19.
Attleboro Health Department officials were recently notified by DPH of the need for five firefighters to self-quarantine after coming in close contact with individuals who tested positive for COVID-19. Over the weekend, several firefighters were tested and are still awaiting results. One firefighter’s test results came back positive for COVID-19 today. The firefighter has been isolated and is being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines. The results of the others that were tested will be announced. Under State and Federal privacy laws no further information is available about the individuals.
Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH orders for quarantine.
The quarantined close contacts will be monitored on a daily basis by local health officials while they are in quarantine to limit the risk of spread.
The Attleboro Fire Department will continue to respond to all emergencies and members are taking proper precautions when coming in contact with residents and community members.
Chief Lachance stresses that this remains a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation and the department is working closely with Attleboro Firefighters Local 848, Mayor Paul Heroux’s Office, Attleboro Health Department officials and other city leaders. The Attleboro Board of Health and Attleboro Fire Department will follow CDC guidelines and remain in contact with the individuals affected.
“We are doing our best as a department to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 among our firefighters and personnel, while still providing the same level of service to the residents and community members we serve,” Chief Lachance said. “We wish a speedy recovery for the firefighter who tested positive and will continue to stay on top of this situation as it unfolds.”
“Our members are on the front lines of this pandemic,” Local 848 President Jacques said. “The circumstances experienced today are examples of the sacrifice and dedication our members show on a daily basis. The health and safety of our firefighters, their families and the residents of Attleboro remains our top priority.”
The department announced today that it is limiting public access to the stations to outside visitors for general, walk-in business until further notice.
In an effort to continue practicing social distancing, all citizens are asked to make all non-emergency reports and inquiries to the department by telephone or email, rather than in person.
The Attleboro Fire Department can be reached at 774-203-1922 or at its website https://attleborofire.com/.
As always, please call 911 for any emergency.
Safety Measures & Precautions
In addition to limiting public access to the lobby, the Attleboro Fire Department has taken the following actions:
- Practicing social distancing while at work and at home
- Increasing the cleaning and sanitation of common touch points and surfaces
- Encouraging proper self-care and hygiene including frequently washing hands, ensuring bathrooms are stocked with hand washing materials and making cleaning products and sanitizers available
- Ensuring all personnel are fit-tested for masks
- Reviewing Contagious Diseases and Pandemic Planning and Response policies
- Reviewing the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Modifying medical response protocol
- Ensuring the department has ample supplies of PPE for medical responses
These temporary measures will be reviewed on a continuous basis. When changes are necessary, they will be communicated to the public.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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