Triad first responders are working to secure better coverage in case of COVID-19 infection.
Ross Neugeboren is the president of the Guilford County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics. He explained Wednesday that currently firefighters, EMTs and paramedics are not covered under workers’ compensation if they fall sick.
“Something like a slip, trip or fall, that you could kind of expect to prepare yourself for,” he said. “If you step out of the truck wrong and plant your foot and break your leg, that’s an occupational injury. COVID-19 and other infectious diseases are not as simple you can’t see them.”
In Guilford County, five first responders have tested positive for coronavirus. Neugeboren said those are dealt with on a case by case basis when it comes to compensation.