13 San Jose, California, Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19

Thirteen San Jose, California, firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19 with an additional 75 who may have been exposed being closely monitored.

At least one firefighter, sick enough to be hospitalized, has been released to recover at home, the SJFD Facebook page states.

“We are still maintaining normal staffing levels at all of our fire stations and remain ready and committed to our mission to protect the San Jose community,” the statement reads.

Out of 18,500 people in the U.S. infected to date, 230 have died. One in five Americans live in states or communities that have invoked “stay at home” orders.

Worldwide, more than 275,000 patients have tested positive for the respiratory illness and more than 11,000 have died.

The SJFD Facebook page states that the city continues to maintain normal staffing levels at all five of its fire stations.

“The health of our first responders is critically important, as they are on the frontlines as we help our community through the health crisis COVID-19 presents,” the statement reads.