Benicia firefighter tests positive for COVID

BENICIA – A Benicia firefighter has tested positive for the coronavirus, the third positive test for a city firefighter and sixth city employee overall to be infected with COVID, according to a news released issued by the city of Benicia on Sept. 15.

Officials said the source of the new infection is not known yet. The firefighter is in self-quarantine at home and has not required hospitalization.

“We are fortunate that during the period of infection, the firefighter did not have direct contact with members of the public in the City of Benicia,” said Benicia Fire Chief Josh Chadwick in the same news release. “The Benicia Fire Department is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the safety of the residents of Benicia.”

The city also stressed that all Benicia fire station are fully staffed.

“The Benicia Fire Department has standing operating guidelines in place and abides by county protocols to limit or prevent the infection between patients and fire personnel,” city officials added in the same release. “Fire personnel follow these guidelines and protocols during treatment and interaction with residents.”

For up-to-date information about the city of Benicia’s response to COVID-19, visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus.