Three Burnaby firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19, and 18 others who were exposed are off work self-isolating, according to the Burnaby Fire Department.
Fire Chief Chris Bowcock said the three positive cases were identified this week, and the 18 other firefighters are self-isolating “out of an abundance of caution” because they had “worked in proximity” to them.
“These 18 staff are not currently exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19,” Bowcock said in an emailed statement.
Information about the source of the infections has not been provided by public health officials, according to Bowcock.
He said the loss of the firefighters has not impacted on-duty staffing levels or the delivery of services to residents.
“We also have no concerns about transmission from our members to the public,” Bowcock said. “PPE (personal protective equipement) is worn during all interactions with the public.”
