Ohio First Responders Warned To Take COVID-19 Precautions

OHIO — With COVID-19 surging in Ohio, first responders are being warned to take precautions when interacting with the public.

In a message to several police, EMS and firefighters associations, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Tom Stickrath encouraged all first responders to remain vigilant in following COVID-19 protocols.

“With the continued increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Ohio, all of our first responders should assume that anyone they interact with outside of their homes is carrying the coronavirus,” Stickrath said. “I encourage our first responders to consistently wear PPE and practice social distancing to the extent possible as we proceed through what’s anticipated to be a rough winter.”

Every incident should be handled with appropriate protective equipment, Stickrath said. First responders should take all necessary actions to protect themselves from the virus. Any agencies that need protective equipment should contact their county's Emergency Management Agency.

“The public depends on first responders to answer the call and be there whenever they’re needed,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “As long as COVID-19 continues to be an issue for us, responders should double down on making sure they take all possible precautions to keep themselves, their families, and their communities healthy.”