The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department says firefighters who have been exposed to COVID-19 but who have not tested positive should continue to work.
The fire department says that since the virus hit, 67 members have tested positive.
There are more than 400 members of the firefighters union. "I think it's creating a potentially dangerous situation for both the firefighters and the public," said union president J.J. Simma.
If a firefighter tests positive, it's treated like any on-duty injury. If a firefighter is exposed, but not showing symptoms, they still must quarantine but they would have to use their own sick time. It is not treated the same as an on-duty injury.
"If I am quarantined and I have no illness, I have nothing to put down on the injury or illness on-duty form," fire Chief Michael Callahan said.
Simma said some new firefighters who lack much built-up time off are exhausting their sick leave and vacations.