ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) has 36 staff members, including firefighters, off duty due to COVID-19.
However, SJRFD Chief Sherry Colford says she is confident there won’t be any impact on emergency responses in the St. John’s metro region.
The department announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19 Wednesday — a firefighter who had reported for work at both the Brookfield Fire Station and the Paradise Fire Station.
Sixteen employees associated with that case are currently in self-isolation, as per direction from public health officials, Colford said.
That’s along with 20 others who have already been self-isolating for personal situations related to COVID-19.
“Our thoughts are with our impacted employees and their families,” Colford said.
Both the Brookfield and Paradise stations were temporarily closed Wednesday to allow for enhanced cleaning. At the request of Public Health officials, all employees at both stations were sent home to self-isolate.
“At this moment, we don’t see any risk to the public. But of course, it’s a fluid situation, so we’re monitoring it on a regular basis." — SJRFD Chief Sherry Colford
Both stations were expected to be staffed with new crews by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
“We’ve got everyone ready to go,” said Colford, who commended the off-duty firefighters who have agreed to cover for their co-workers to ensure operations continue to run smoothly.
She said contact tracing involving the firefighter who tested positive went back two weeks and it was discovered the firefighter had worked overtime during that time period. She said the department is contacting everyone who had been in contact with the person.
She said the employee had spent a short period of time at the Kenmount Station as well, but that station is still operational.
The SJRFD has protocols in place so emergency response can be maintained throughout the region by moving existing apparatus to cover two districts while new staff are being brought in.
@FureyAndrew we need the vaccine https://t.co/2vxgdnCqev
— IAFF Local 1075 St. John's Firefighters. (@IAFFLocal1075) February 17, 2021
Colford said firefighters wear personal protective equipment when responding to calls, and interaction with the public is limited.
“At this moment, we don’t see any risk to the public,” said Colford, adding that contact tracing by Public Health officials is ongoing.
“But of course, it’s a fluid situation, so we’re monitoring it on a regular basis. If there is any impact to the public, we would work with Public Health to reach out to those people, but as of right now, we don’t see any concerns.”
Colford said while it’s been challenging, a team approach is most effective.
“I think it would be concerning for anyone in an organization and they’re seeing their employees being impacted by this particular situation,” said Colford, adding that her thoughts are with the staff members and their families.
“But we have a great team here and we all work together. ... I’m encouraged by the amount of dedication they’ve shown.”
Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett said things were handled properly by the fire department.
“We’ve got full confidence in St. John’s regional and the management to provide service. … We’ve never had an issue with their service,” he said. “They’re working around whatever they need to do … and I have full confidence that they’re taking care of the situation.”
