This article has been updated.
By Laura French
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Eight San Jose firefighters have tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and the department is currently tracking the status of 46 who may have been exposed, according to a statement from the City of San Jose.
Officials said the first firefighter who tested positive had worked shifts at several city stations prior to his diagnosis, reported NBC Bay Area.
Authorities also said family members of some of the infected firefighters have tested positive or have begun to show symptoms, and that they have not determined where the initial firefighter may have contracted the virus.
The union and city officials said some stations throughout the city will temporarily close for disinfection and deep cleaning with firefighters being relocated to other stations in the meantime.
“Our Dept. is large with over 700 active firefighters. We have been able to backfill to maintain operational readiness,” the San Jose Fire Department said in a statement on social media. “We remain committed to our mission to protect the community through prevention & education.”
The city of San Jose encourages tracking the situation at its emergency notification center.