Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 2, 2020
The Fernandina Observer has confirmed that three city firefighter/paramedics have been quarantined in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health Covid-19 protocols.
The three Fernandina Beach firefighter/paramedics were exposed to Covid-19 during a recent response event. Apparently, the subject did not fully disclose symptoms associated with Covid-19 until arrival at the hospital. It has been confirmed that the subject is infected with Covid-19.
It is not known at this time whether the subject was a city or county resident.
Nassau County Department of Emergency Management has been informed of this incident.
This is disheartening on two fronts: the non-disclosure and the fact that the city is now down 3 excellent first responders. Which begs the question: are our first responders equipped with and using PPE? What is the current protocol? And what are the consequences for people that selfishly disregard the health of others?
Prayers being said for all in this matter.
Since the advent of the AIDs epidemic we have had “universal precautions” pounded into our heads. I have to wonder when that got dropped.
Had the fire fighters practiced universal precautions as they relate to the current situation, this would not be an issue.
That said, if a person is going to lie about the situation they need to be held legally liable. Clearly the patient (or family member) lied. So, what will the consequences to THEM be?? We already see the consequences to the fire fighters and the community at large.