Coronavirus Threatens To Thin The Ranks Of Police And Firefighters On The Front Lines
LAPPL News Watch
March 18, 2020
As the coronavirus outbreak ravaged a nursing home in Kirkland, Wash, it also hit the local fire department hard. No firefighters tested positive for the virus. But nearly a third of the 95-member department had to go into quarantine after coming to the aid of coronavirus patients.
Faced with an escalating number of infected people, police and fire departments can quickly become overwhelmed as more first responders are taken out of commission, creating staffing nightmares.
Masks and other protective equipment are in short supply worldwide and could potentially run out as first responders care for patients and then need a new set.
The toll is starting to be felt in Los Angeles County, with more than 140 confirmed coronavirus cases and more announced each day.
Six L.A. firefighters, three L.A. County sheriff’s deputies and several L.A. County firefighters were quarantining themselves at home after assisting coronavirus patients.
An LAPD supervisor in the Pacific Division tested positive for the virus but is expected to fully recover.
2 comments:
Cops and firefighters know the risks. Calls are still going to come in and some will knowingly deal directly with Corona Virus infected people. That's why they are called heroes.
When you put on the uniform and take the Queen's shilling (in a manner of speaking) you assume the risks that come with it. Those risks are, at times, substantial.
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