New Orleans first responders struggle as personnel exposed to COVID-19, some test positive

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - First responders in New Orleans are starting to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Five New Orleans Police Department officers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the police department.

The NOPD said Tuesday it has placed an additional 51 employees in self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.

That number includes personnel who have either come into direct contact with someone who is infected, or someone showing flu-like symptoms.

Three employees have returned to work.

SEE FULL COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN LOUISIANA

The New Orleans Fire Department said Monday that 54 firefighters have had contact with coronavirus.

The NOFD union leader Aaron Michler was one of those to tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the New Orleans EMS Exposure Task Force, out of 170 total employees, 94 have been exposed to COVID-19. They have lifted restrictions and added temporary help to aid with the number of calls they are getting.

Of the number who have been exposed, 28 have been forced to self-isolate.

Wednesday morning Mayor Latoya Cantrell tweeted about the incredible need for personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Cantrell also reiterated that the New Orleans area is seeing the fastest growing rate of cases.

are in desperate need of PPE. @CityOfNOLA is facing an insurmountable budget gap with hospitality shut down. This should not be happening in the US. But last night, the president listened and answered @LouisianaGov’s call to declare this a major disaster area. Let’s keep moving.
— LaToya Cantrell (@LaToyaForNOLA) March 25, 2020