At least 50 DC firefighters self-quarantined after one tests positive for coronavirus: report

At least 50 Washington, D.C., firefighters are entering self-quarantine following contact with a peer who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Department Chief Gregory Dean released a statement on Wednesday, confirming that an EMS member tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, with several members who had contacted the member entering self-quarantine.

A statement from DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean. pic.twitter.com/lT16qrhW1R

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) March 18, 2020

“DC Health is in the process of contacting these members regarding next steps for self-quarantine,” according to the statement. “If DC Health or a doctor recommends it, they will be tested for COVID-19.”

Reporter Evan Lambert from Fox 5 DC tweeted an update, saying at least 50 members of the FEMS are in quarantine after one colleague tested positive for the virus, citing one source saying the number could be closer to 73, with a second member’s screening underway.

UPDATE: Per @Fox5Wagner & me—FOX 5 can report at least 50 @dcfireems firefighters in quarantine after one firefighter tested positive for COVID-19. One source tells me number is as high as 73. A second firefighter is being tested. @fox5dc

— Evan Lambert (@EvanLambertTV) March 18, 2020

A spokesman from the Public Information and Community Affairs Office for the DC FEMS told The Hill there are no further updates as of Wednesday afternoon.