First responders are clearly on the front lines when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their well-being is essential so they can help residents.
The Belen Fire Department is now operating under a new standard operating guideline.
“Anytime we have something like this, we put out a new guideline to go by,” said Belen Fire Chief Bret Ruff. “What we’re stating is that dispatch will ask the questions regarding the nature of the emergency. If they think have COVID-19, or if they have symptoms, they’ll ask to go through the list — fever, cough and respiratory distress.”
If it doesn’t appear to be life-threatening, a dispatcher will more than likely tell them to call the COVID-19 hotline — 1-855-600-3453 — for medical questions, including symptoms and testing, and 1-833-551-0518 for anything else, including child care, business operations and food supply.