Two members of the Boston Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to fire officials.
One firefighter is being followed up by public health officials to determine if they were exposed to COVID-19 in the line of duty. The other firefighter works in an administrative capacity and does not respond to emergency calls. The two firefighters have been in self-isolation prior to their diagnosis, in accordance with the minimum staffing guidelines set by the city and the state.
Boston fire officials said 17 city firefighters are self-quarantined at home as of Tuesday, and they are maintaining regular updates with the department's medical staff by phone.
Some members of the department had been sent home to self-quarantine because they were possibly exposed to COVID-19 in an off-duty capacity, such as personal travel.