IPSWICH — Town Manager Anthony Marino and Fire Chief Andy Theriault report that all nine Ipswich Fire Department employees who were asked to quarantine and get tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, last week have tested negative.
The nine staff members were asked to self-quarantine after they came into contact with another member of the department who received a positive test result for COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 7. The staff member with the virus is recovering at home in isolation, and local public health officials continue to monitor the individual’s health regularly. Under State and Federal privacy laws no further information is available about any of the individuals.
“We are thankful to learn that no additional members of our department have this virus, as the health and well-being of our staff is of the utmost importance,” Chief Theriault said. “Fortunately, this challenging situation has in no way impacted our ability to continue to serve the Town of Ipswich.”
The two shifts will complete their 14 day quarantine following state regulations and local policies, and will be able to return to work on April 22, provided they remain symptom free. Until then, the Ipswich Fire Department remains fully operational and continues to respond to all emergencies. Members of the Ipswich Fire Department have been instructed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to follow guidance from national and state public health officials to prevent the spread of the virus, including practicing social distancing when possible when responding to calls and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
As always, residents are reminded to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer general questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here. The Town of Ipswich is also in the process of launching a separate town COVID-19 news portal, which is expected to come online later this week.