This week a Benicia firefighter tested positive for COVID-19. The city’s case total has now reached 29 and Solano County has skyrocketed to 1,476 as of July 2.

BENICIA – On July 1, 2020, a Benicia Fire Department firefighter informed the City of Benicia that they received a positive test result for COVID-19. The source of the infection has not yet been determined, but the Benicia Fire Department is working with the Solano County Public Health Department to attempt to determine the source.

Fire Chief Josh Chadwick has been in close contact with Solano County Public Health staff who have determined that, based on the firefighter’s last shift on duty and the date of onset of symptoms, there was no exposure to City staff or to the community during the firefighter’s infectious period.

“We are fortunate that during the period of infection, the firefighter was not present in the City of Benicia. The Benicia Fire Department is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the safety of the residents of Benicia,” said Benicia Fire Chief Josh Chadwick.

The Benicia Fire Department has standing operating guidelines and county protocols in place to limit or prevent the infection between patients and fire personnel. Fire personnel follow these guidelines and protocols during treatment and interaction with residents. The firefighter had no fever or symptoms during their last on-duty shift. The affected Firefighter is in self-quarantine at home and has not required hospitalization.

All Benicia fire stations remain fully staffed and the City does not anticipate any disruption to service delivery.

Due to health privacy rights, the City is prohibited from providing any information about the identity of the affected firefighter.

For up-to-date information about the City of Benicia’s response to COVID-19, please go to https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus.

Sharing is caring!