SPOKANE, Wash. — Eighteen firefighters with the Spokane Fire Department remain under quarantine as of Monday after possible exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
That number dropped from more than 30 on Friday.
Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the firefighters came in contact with someone while they were either on or off-duty who was displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
Eight firefighters were showing symptoms as of Friday and one was hospitalized.
A spokesperson for the City of Spokane said on Monday that none of the firefighters have tested positive and the hospitalized firefighter will likely be released this week.
Schaeffer added that all of the firefighters were quarantined as a precautionary measure.
Twenty residents in Spokane County have tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the Washington State Department of Health on Thursday.
One person with a confirmed case of coronavirus in Spokane County lives at a retirement home in Spokane Valley, according to Kelli Hawkins with the Spokane Regional Health District.
That person is currently in isolation in their apartment at Holman Gardens. Hawkins says staff are taking precautions and following guidelines issued by the health district and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
A MultiCare employee has also tested positive for the virus.
The Spokane Regional Health District is identifying and contacting those who may have come in contact with the newest infected individuals. They will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.