A firefighter with Clarksville Fire Rescue has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
City officials say the firefighter is self-isolating at home under a doctor’s care and is doing well.
The department has reportedly consulted with the Montgomery County Health Department and is following all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and Tennessee Department of Health guidelines.
City officials report the firefighter last worked March 25 and had no symptoms. They say other crew members working the same shift have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days from the last date of contact with the firefighter and to monitor for symptoms. Officials indicate the coworkers have not reported any symptoms at this time and can return to work on April 9 if no symptoms appear.
Mayor Pitts says, “this is our City workforce’s first confirmed case, and we are praying for the firefighter’s speedy recovery”. He adds they are taking every precaution and following recommended protocols to ensure the best outcome for Clarksville’s first responders and all City employees.
According to officials, Clarksville Fire Rescue began a routine several weeks ago to limit access to stations and to screen calls for exposure potential. In addition, crews have been working to clean and sanitize all stations and equipment a minimum of twice per shift, along with sanitizing after calls involving the use of personal protection equipment.
The chief of Clarksville Fire Rescue is Freddie Montgomery, the former chief of the Hopkinsville Fire Department who retired August 1st after serving two decades with the department.
