HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-05 HFD Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19 -- Press Release
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
August 5, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Hawai‘i County Fire Department Reports Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19
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The Hawai‘i Fire Department reported on Wednesday that a Battalion Chief assigned to the 2
Battalion headquartered at the Waikoloa Fire Station has tested positive for COVID-19. A total
of five personnel are currently self-quarantined as a precaution; all are asymptomatic.
The Battalion Chief, who also remains asymptomatic, took the COVID-19 test on Saturday in
compliance with pre/post travel requirements to O‘ahu. On Monday he received the positive test
result, and notified command. After notification of the positive result, the Fire Department
disinfected the entire Waikoloa Fire Station. Fire Chief Darren Rosario assures the community
that emergency responses will not be affected.
“All Fire personnel considered possible contacts will follow Department protocols and will
receive two COVID-19 tests over the course of this week and next week. They must receive
negative tests in order to return to work, following Department protocols,” Chief Rosario said.
The Battalion Chief remains in isolation, monitored by the Department of Health.
The Department offered separate living quarters at designated rentals for quarantined Fire
personnel, but the staff chose to self-quarantine at home. The Department’s Emergency Medical
Services Bureau provided care packages including masks, disinfecting products, and hand
sanitizers for the affected personnel’s homes.
“I am sincerely grateful for the responsible actions of our entire Big Island community towards
keeping COVID-19 off of our Island,” Chief Rosario said.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.