It's business as usual for the Spokane Fire Department when it comes to responding to calls. But they do have a contingency plan in place if they were to come into contact with someone displaying COVID-19-like symptoms.
"We're extremely concerned about it. Primarily because it is a pandemic, it spreads so easily and can go through communities very quickly," Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said.
Schaeffer said he's worried about those who might be at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions.
As the coronavirus continues to spread in Western Washington, first responders are at a higher risk for contracting the virus. At least one Kirkland firefighter tested positive for the virus while 22 other firefighters and three police officers are in the midst of a two-week quarantine.
Schaeffer said they've been keeping an on the spread of the virus, and first responders are prepared and have the proper gear to come in contact with it.