Coronavirus: 4 San Jose Firefighters Test For COVID-19

SAN JOSE, CA — The city of San Jose and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 230 confirmed Thursday that three additional firefighters have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, bringing the total to four firefighters with positive tests.

The confirmation of the three additional cases comes just hours after city officials announced that at least one firefighter had tested positive.

An additional two firefighters have been ordered to undergo home isolation as they wait for test results and nearly 80 of the city's 662 firefighters have, at some point, been restricted from working due to exposures to a confirmed patient.

According to the city, the firefighters who have tested positive for the virus also have several family members who have tested positive or showed symptoms.

Stations with a potential exposure to the virus will be temporarily closed, disinfected and deep cleaned while the displaced firefighters are relocated to another station, according to the city and the union.

"Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as it grows among our residents is an unprecedented challenge, and we are up to that challenge," IAFF Local 230 President Sean Kaldor said in a statement.

"But it is also taking a tremendous toll on us as we fall ill and support our ill family members."

Santa Clara County public health officials have, as of Wednesday night, confirmed 48 positive coronavirus cases in the county, including the Bay Area's only death so far due to the virus.

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