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OCFA firefighter in Irvine tested positive for coronavirus, city officials said

An Orange County Fire Authority firefighter in Irvine has tested positive for the coronavirus, city officials said Friday, March 20.

The firefighter, who is attached to Fire Station No. 4 near UC Irvine, came in contact with 24 other firefighters, who have been sent home and put in self-isolation, Irvine Councilman Anthony Kuo said. He said fire authority leaders notified him and other Irvine officials of the case late Thursday night.

The person is believed to be the first OCFA firefighter to test positive for the virus. As of Friday afternoon, the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website tracking the coronavirus spread reported 65 people in the county have tested positive out of nearly 1,000 tested.

Kuo said the firefighter had “flu-like symptoms” and went home during a shift a few days ago and got tested. Kuo said he had no other information about the person.

Kuo said OCFA is going through the call log to track the person’s whereabouts.

“We’re trying to get to the bottom of trying to get to those whom (the person) had been in contact with,” Mayor Christina Shea said.

Kuo said although two dozen firefighters have been put in self-isolation, coverage will be maintained in the UCI area by moving resources around within Irvine and potentially bringing in firefighters from other cities.

Kuo said he believes Fire Station No. 4 is getting a deep cleaning.

OCFA didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The story is developing. Check back for updates.


Source: Orange County Register

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