The City of Champaign has confirmed a Champaign Firefighter has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is currently recovering at home in isolation. To protect the individual’s privacy, the employee’s identity will not be released, nor will the City comment on their medical condition.
The City has consulted with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (C-UPHD) and are following all their directives and protocols. As a result, 12 other Fire Department personnel have been placed into self-quarantine for at least 14 days, per health department recommendations. In addition, the afflicted employee will not be permitted to return to work until C-UPHD deems it appropriate.
“One of my highest priorities is the safety and health of all Fire Department employees,” said Fire Chief Gary Ludwig. “The Champaign Fire Department follows and exceeds, where possible, the Centers for Disease Control guidelines while providing emergency services to our community and standing by in our fire stations. These safety precautions help protect the residents of our community as well as first responders. My thoughts and prayers are for the affected firefighter to have a quick and full recovery.”
All fire stations remain fully staffed and the City does not anticipate any disruption to service delivery. To protect the employee’s privacy, no further information will be released to the public.