As businesses are closing, cutting back on hours or eliminating certain services, first responders across the Valley are still working to ensure the public remains safe amid the coronavirus …
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As businesses are closing, cutting back on hours or eliminating certain services, first responders across the Valley are still working to ensure the public remains safe amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In Glendale, Sgt. Randy Stewart say officers aren’t having to work more hours. Same for the Buckeye Police Department, where Officer Donna Rossi says police have not had any significant calls warranting changes in work schedules.
While Mr. Stewart said his department hasn’t received any calls about COVID-19, Buckeye has.
“People asking questions that as a police department we do not have the answers to,” Ms. Rossi stated. “If medical, we refer them to the fire department or state and county health departments.”
Both agencies’ officers have been receiving appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with standards set by Maricopa County Department of Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services.
“We have all officers to be vigilant in using their protective gear and have notified the public via social media that they may see more officers wearing protective gear for the safety and health of all,” Ms. Rossi stated.
Officers are being asked to use their gear at their own discretion.
“They are well aware of the risks and the need to protect themselves and the community and are using every precaution necessary depending on the type of call to which they are responding,” Ms. Rossi stated.
Mr. Stewart said officers will only use the gear when they contact someone who is symptomatic or states that they have COVID-19.
“We will be handling calls for service as we normally do with extra precaution measures in place,” Mr. Stewart stated.
He added that the department had seen a decline throughout the week of March 18 with overall calls for service, but there has not been any major change with priority 1 calls.
As cities around the Valley declared emergencies, some police departments have shut down their visitor lobbies. Glendale’s main and substation lobbies will be closed Monday, March 23 until further notice.
Buckeye’s lobby remains open, although fingerprinting has stopped, as has ride alongs and volunteer programs.
However, Glendale police is still committed to working and communicating with residents, be it out in the community or on social media. The department hosts weekly Facebook Fridays, and plan to do so through the summer months.
“We will continue to reach out to the public on Facebook and Twitter with updates as needed,” Mr. Stewart said.
Callers to 911 and Buckeye’s non-emergency number may be asked a short series of questions to determine if responding officers could potentially be exposed to infectious diseases.
“It is a confusing time, with information and guidelines changing frequently,” Buckeye police Chief Larry Hall stated. “As a law enforcement agency, we do not have the ability to postpone or suspend essential activities. That is why I am committed to reducing the likelihood of exposure to our personnel.”
People in general are being advised to report non-emergency incidents at their respective department’s online website.
Fire departments prepping in the Sun Cities
The risk is real for Sun City, as there were two confirmed cases in the community the week of March 13, according to Ron Deadman, chief of the Sun City Fire & Medical Department. While he knew about the cases, he was not aware if they were residents in their own home or in one of the care facilities.
“We have not received calls about anyone who believed they were exposed,” Mr. Deadman said. “As far as we know, these are the only cases in Sun City.”
According to Maricopa County Department of Public Health records, those cases were at the Royal Oaks Lifecare Community, 10015 W. Royal Oaks Road. MCDPH officials are working with Royal Oaks staff to provide accurate and timely information.
Sun City Fire personnel are prepared in terms of training, according to Mr. Deadman. All personnel received specific training to deal with severe viruses and they are continually learning more through video conferences and other methods, including daily updates on protocols from Jason Casey, the department’s communications manager, according to Mr. Deadman.
Crews for the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, which serves Sun City West, are being monitored two times per day with a check of temperature and signs or symptoms, ensuring they are ready to respond in an emergency situation.
Crews are outfitted with personal protection equipment, including eye protection, a mask, gown or protective uniform and gloves. If patients are symptomatic, they too are being masked to stop the spread immediately. The back of ambulances are being decontaminated to ensure the risk is eliminated, per CDC and state guidelines.
The AFMA encourages the community to be proactive and keep a 14-21-day stockpile of food and necessary supplies, such as medication, as well as checking up on neighbors. One of the most important warnings is to only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Additionally, fire station visitors are no longer permitted.
“Signs and symptoms are not a life-threatening emergency and we have no way to test nor do we want to inundate the emergency system,” Fire Marshal Eric Kriwer said. “Working through your primary care physician is the quickest way to get to testing. Refrain from going to hospitals with signs and symptoms, (since) you are doing more harm than good by exposing yourself.”
COVID-19
For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
Those who feel sick should stay home, limit contact with others, not travel, cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with alcohol-based sanitizer. They should also sanitize frequently-touched surfaces like door knobs, switches and electronics.
Since there is no treatment for COVID-19, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health recommends having over-the-counter medicines such as fever-reducing medications to help treat symptoms, as well as any necessary prescription medications. Getting plenty of fluids and rest are also helpful. If a person feels like they are sick enough to need to be seen by a healthcare provider, they should contact the office before being seen.
The Arizona Poison Control System is available to take COVID-19 calls from Arizona providers and the general public at 1-844-542-8201.
Rusty Bradshaw and Jennifer Jimenez contributed to this story.
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