Two Clark County firefighters were exposed to the first known case of COVID-19 in Clark County and are now in a voluntary 7-day quarantine.
According to the Clark County Fire District 6, the firefighters treated the first known patient with coronavirus in Clark County on March 1. Neither firefighter is exhibiting symptoms.
Two firefighters, one medic and one EMT, treated the 70-year-old man diagnosed with Clark County's first case of COVID-19. All four of those first responders were asked to stay home over the weekend and are being monitored at this time. Officials will assess further at the beginning of the week.
Clark County Fire District 6 consulted with a physician who said the chances of them spread the virus if they contracted it was very minimal.
OHA recommends that all people in Oregon take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:
- Stay home while you are sick
- Never visit a hospital or long-term care facility if you have a fever or cough illness
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched
- Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
- Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US
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If you are sick with mild symptoms and would not normally go to the doctor, stay home until you are well. Health officials say that you can be back out in the public after a fever is gone without the aid of medication for 24 hours.
