A member of the Portsmouth Fire Department has tested positive for COVID-19.
In its daily blog updating residents of the latest coronavirus news, the town said Saturday one staff member contracted the virus and 10 others were in quarantine.
Town Administrator Richard Rainer, responding to a query from The Daily News, sent out an email saying the person who tested positive was a firefighter. He said the firefighter was sent home March 24 after failing to pass the daily protocol and put on a 72-hour watch. Rainer said every employee and person entering town buildings must be screened for coughing, sneezing, travel history and temperature.
The firefighter was not due back to work until March 31 and has been at home since March 24. Rainer said it is uncertain how the firefighter contracted the virus, and that will be determined by the state Department of Health.