Firefighters in Mississauga and Oakville have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials say.
A spokesperson with the City of Mississauga said a firefighter recently learned of the results and a fire station has since been closed for “deep cleaning.”
Officials didn’t provide the location of the station, but said fire operations are continuing as normal.
“We are aware that public health reached out to those in direct contact with that individual and those direct contacts are in self-isolation,” the spokesperson said in an email.
On Sunday afternoon, the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association tweeted that one of their members also tested positive for COVID-19.
“We are working diligently to ensure the safety of our members as we continue to protect the public,” the tweet read.
Oakville Fire Chief Brian Durdin said the firefighter last worked on March 19 and didn’t display symptoms until March 23.
“The staff member is currently at home in self-isolation following the direction of the Niagara Public Medical Health Unit,” Durdin said.
“We have had the fire hall and truck where the staff member last worked prior to the onset of symptoms deep cleaned as an extra precaution. The affected staff member’s crew will continue to self monitor as per protocols recommend by the Halton Health Unit.”
Durdin added that there is a ‘mandatory self-screening protocol” in place in a bid to identify anyone who may have symptoms.
News of the cases comes on the same day Global News confirmed six Toronto firefighters tested positive for the virus amid growing concerns from frontline responders about their health and safety during the pandemic.
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