DEPARTMENT MEMO M-26-20

March 17, 2020

SUBJECT: COVID-19 UPDATE

I am writing to update you on a recent development regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19). The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has alerted us that a Chicago Fire
Department (CFD) member has tested positive for COVID-19. As of right now, there is no indication
that the member contracted the virus during a service call.

To further ensure the health and safety of our employees, the Department has conducted a thorough
cleaning and disinfection operation of the local Fire House where the employee was stationed as well
as the work area, vehicles and any equipment utilized by the individual while they were symptomatic
per CDPH guidance. We are working with the City’s public health officials to identify all individuals
who may have had contact with the member, including other CFD personnel and those who the
individual may have interacted with during service calls. Close contacts, including the individual’s
partner, have been required to self-quarantine as a precaution.

The Chicago Fire Department continues to work closely with the CDPH and follow Centers for
Disease Control (CDC)guidelines as we ensure proper protocols and preventative measures are in
place for the health and safety of our firefighters and paramedics. As part of that effort, the
Department has ensured that all firefighters and paramedics responding to emergency calls have been
provided with personal protective equipment – or PPE – specially designated to keep them safe
during this time.

Furthermore, the Department has implemented training protocols for CFD personnel on how to
respond to emergency calls where there is a chance that disease transmission is possible. And as a
precaution, these training videos and protocols have been made available across the Department for
all fire and EMT personnel.

Public Health Guidance for our Members

If you have a fever (oral temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, or mild shortness
of breath, please contact your medical provider immediately. Any individuals who are sick or
exhibiting any of these symptoms should stay home from work.

If your symptoms are severe, such as difficult, rapid, or labored breathing; blueness around your
mouth or nails; and/or severe dehydration (dry mouth, pale skin and nails, no tears or urine), please
seek the closest emergency department or call 911 immediately.

Please email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus if you haveadditional

COVID-19 questions or need support. The Department will provide updates as we receive more
information from public health officials.

For the most reliable information, please

visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Please review the following procedure and protocols as stated on Department Memo M-23-20

https://chicagogov.sharepoint.com/sites/fire/Orders/Body%20Substance%20Isolation%20(BSI)%20a
nd%20COVID-19%20(Novel%20Coronavirus)%20M-23-20.pdf
Body Substance Isolation (BSI) and COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

The health and wellness of our firefighters and paramedics are the Department’s highest priority and I
want to thank you all for your continued and dedicated service to the City of Chicago and its
residents.

We will continue to ensure all of you receive regular updates throughout this difficult time

APPROVED:

Richard C. Ford II
Fire Commissioner

TO BE READ AT FOUR (4) ROLL CALLS AND POSTED

Distribution: A