First responders, law enforcement practicing social distance while keeping everyone safe during virus outbreak

We’ve reached out to several agencies in our viewing area. Officials said they’re committed to protecting the public but will be asking those in need about possible coronavirus symptoms while responding to the call for help.

"There are ways we can modulate our environment to make the deputies work easier, to make the deputy stay further away from you as they render assistance," said Alicia Stemper with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Stemper also said crimes like assaults and armed robberies always require face-to-face help from deputies. However, some situations can be resolved with a simple phone call.

"If it's something different, something where someone needs information about resources or if someone wants to report a stolen license plate, some of those things can easily be handled from increasing your social distance or even on the telephone," Stemper said.

First responders from Wake County EMS are also taking precautions.

"If there's a little bit higher suspicions for potentially having a flu-like illness or COVID-19, then our crews are made aware of that as they respond to take proper precaution or even before they enter the house," said Jeffrey Hammerstein with Wake County EMS.

EMS responders also put on the right type of equipment to protect themselves. These measures, officials said, are put into place to keep first responders and deputies healthy so they can continue serving the public.

"Proper masks, eye protection, gowns and gloves worn," Hammerstein said.

"Men and women in our office who put on the uniform are dedicated, smart, compassionate and they work really hard at training scenarios," Stemper said.

Something else we learned from deputies in Orange County. They’ve seen a decrease in the amount of traffic violations, which leads them to believe people are listening to the public health call to stay at home.