Manitowoc Fire Chief Todd Blaser says their collective hearts break in hearing all that have become ill and have lost family members and loved ones to the COVID 19 virus.
Manitowoc County has yet to record a confirmed positive test and according to Blaser, it’s given all MFRD personnel time to be “adequately prepared” if that happens. He said his team is “doing some planning and taking inventory of some supplies and doing some collaboration with other agencies within Manitowoc County.”
He went on to say they would rather be prepared for it than to “play catch up”.
Blaser says since the outbreak, calls for people feeling flu-like symptoms have declined and attributes this to people taking the threat seriously and continuing to shelter in place, and following the social distancing guidelines outlined by national, state, and local officials.
The MFRD Chief adds that they’ve had to scale back family visits at the station to adhere to limiting huge gatherings and social distancing. When responding to a call they will ask people to come to their door with personnel dropping back at a distance. They’ll be asked questions such as if anyone in the house is experiencing flu-like symptoms and all responders are now fitted with N-95 masks to help prevent any spread of would-be viruses.
Blaser admits it’s a “bit impersonal” but adds it’s better for all involved and that “we’re all in this together and this (COVID 19) shall soon pass.”
