As COVID-19 spreads across the country, departments across central Illinois are taking steps to keep first responders safe from the virus.
“We’re conquering it,” Sgt. Ron Adkins with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office said.
Adkins said the men and women of the department are being given N-95 masks, suits, glasses and respirators for situation they know will put them in contact with a COVID-19 patient. The changes also mean lower priority calls, things like noise complaints, may be responded to with a phone call instead of an officer coming by.
"We're going to have a lot fewer interactions with the public," Adkins said. Firefighters are also finding themselves in the midst of change. The Williamsville Fire Protection District is no longer allowing staff to congregate at the fire house, and Thursday meetings have been cancelled.