Coronavirus: 2 dozen first responders quarantined in Washington state

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Two dozen emergency workers in Washington state are off the job as they are being monitored for possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Earlier Saturday evening, KIRO-TV was told it was seven fighters but that number climbed to 25, adding two police officers who are being quarantined.

Fire Station 21 in Kirkland has a sign up tell people to keep out, including firefighters based there.

Each firefighter is believed to have possibly come in contact with the coronavirus cases at Life Care Center, a nursing facility in Kirkland. There are two confirmed cases of the virus there, and dozens of residents are reporting symptoms that might suggest the illness, health officials said.

Now, the situation has resources being stretched thin.

To keep families safe during the public health crisis, KIRO-TV was told the department will be relying on neighboring firefighters should anything huge happen.

“We have excellent relationships with our regional fire departments, and we’re making sure we have all the conversations in place, so if we need assistance from our partners, that can be provided,” said Kellie Stickney, with the city of Kirkland.

The partnerships may soon include Kirkland police.

In downtown Kirkland, coronavirus has been the talk of the town.

“I’m not sure if we know how it’s been transmitted here, but I do hope we can keep it under control,” visitor Casey Dishman said.

Health works have insisted that none of the quarantined emergency workers have shown any symptoms and said it is just a necessary precaution.

This comes two weeks after Kirkland Fire posted job listings for rescuers.

Cox Media Group