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Abilene Times

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Over 50 Abilene first responders have tested positive for COVID-19

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File photo

File photo

The City of Abilene has over 50 firefighters and police officers who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Abilene Police Department and the Abilene Fire Department said they are doing all they can to protect the safety and health of citizens, according to KTXS-TV

"We go to all EMS calls," Fire Chief Cande Flores said. "So when we’re out of the station dealing with the public — we use the precautions we have in place and that doesn’t guarantee that we’re not going to be exposed.”

City Manager Robert Hanna told KTXS that many first responders caught the coronavirus while on the job. 

“I think you have to presume that they do," Hanna said. “I’ve given direction to my HR department to presume that any employee that is COVID positive in the line of duty — it was a line of duty infection. So we anticipate covering this with appropriate Texas workforce programs.”

Flores tested positive for the coronavirus and that he has minor symptoms. But he also said firefighters follow social distancing rules and wear personal protective masks. 

“We’ve always prepared for this," Flores said. "Since Day One, we’ve had preparations for this.”

All city facilities are going to be professionally cleaned as well, Hanna old KTXS. 

"We’re going to make sure they’re safe, we’re going to make sure they are taken care of, we’re going to make sure they convalesce and that they’re healthy," Hanna said.

Hanna also said the city is doing its best to keep employees safe and healthy. 

"It’s hard watching your people go through this, it’s just hard," Hanna said. "You care about them and want to make sure they stay healthy.”

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