Six Sanford firefighters test positive for COVID-19

All six are all recovering at home in isolation. To protect their privacy, their identifies and conditions will remain anonymous.

The Sanford Fire Department said all employees at its three fire stations are being tested. Contact tracing is underway with help from the Lee County Health Department.

All fire stations are cleaned and sanitized between shift changes, officials said.

“One of my highest priorities is the safety and health of all fire department employees,” said Chief Wayne Barber. “The Sanford Fire Department follows and exceeds, where possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines while providing emergency services to our community.”

The three fire stations have reduced their staff to practice social distancing, but public service should not be interrupted.

Barber also said they've closed their stations, unless there's an emergency. Training is done separately to avoid mixing groups, too. They've also changed how they respond to calls, sending only one person to respond, if possible.