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Speedway firefighter tests positive for COVID-19

Posted at 7:38 PM, Mar 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-24 19:38:05-04

SPEEDWAY — A firefighter with the Speedway Fire Department has tested positive for COVID-19, the department announced late Tuesday.

"We were notified this morning that one ofd our firefighters has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ordered to self-quarantine at home," Fire Chief Robert Fishburn said in a statement.

According to the fire department, four other firefighters had contact with the individual at the station and have been instructed to self-quarantine as well. All five firefighters will stay in quarantine for 14 days following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a statement, the fire department said officials have assessed the situation and said there are no known exposures to any other town employees or the public. It is not clear how the firefighter became afflicted with the virus.

The fire department said all other firefighters are being tested in accordance with the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center protocol and are being closely monitored for any symptoms.

"We want to thank Eli Lilly and their staff for the expedited testing for our first responders," Fishburn said. "This has been a difficult time for everyone and it's through your help that we're able to keep serving our community and keep our firefighters safe."