GRANBY, CO – Last week, Grand Fire Protection District leadership was made aware of four positive cases of COVID-19 among members of the volunteer fire department. The positive cases were confirmed on October 7, 8, 9 and 10. The positive individuals were immediately isolated and are reporting mild symptoms such as headache, cough, nasal congestion and muscles aches. All members of Grand Fire who were in very close, prolonged contact with the positive cases during the specific timeframe of exposure have been ordered to quarantine and to notify their supervisor of any onset of COVID-like symptoms. Grand Fire is working closely with Grand County Public Health (GCPH) officials to assist with monitoring the situation and contact tracing. GCPH will be testing all members of the fire department within the next few days.
“Grand Fire has been following the protocols and best practices put in place by GCPH since March.” stated Fire Chief Brad White. “We require masks in the station, keep daily temperature and symptom logs, and sanitize all surfaces and equipment frequently. But after eight months and an extremely busy fire season, it appears that one of our members was exposed and the virus worked its way through our resident program.”
Assistant Chief Ron Thurston added, “We have a response plan in place. We are working with Grand County Public Health and our mutual aid partners to prevent any further spread of the virus, while still responding to our community’s needs.”
No one wants to hear news of the virus among healthcare workers or first responders, as we are on the front lines of this pandemic. However, the greater Granby community should be reassured that Grand Fire’s command staff has been working diligently to prepare for this and will do everything possible to protect its citizens and visitors.
