2 more people hospitalized after COVID-19 outbreak hits Clayton fire department
Five people are now hospitalized as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak that has led to 17 Clayton firefighters testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
Town officials said Sunday that a fourth firefighter and the spouse of a firefighter are now hospitalized. They’ve joined three fellow firefighters on the same COVID floor at Johnston Health Smithfield, according to a news release from Clayton officials.
Fourteen of the town’s 41 full-time firefighters have contracted the disease; the first person tested positive two weeks ago. Three part-time firefighters have also tested positive.
Town officials said that to limit further exposure, they’re only using full-time firefighters now to cover shifts.
The Johnston County community has rallied around the firefighters and their families, according to town officials. However, people are being asked to stop dropping off items at fire stations due to risk of exposure.
“At this time, they do not need to be overwhelmed with items that will need to be detoxed, organized and distributed,” officials said in the statement Sunday. “We just need a little more time. Everyone is SO touched by this community. They HAVE indeed lifted up our firefighters and their families with their messages!”
The mayor and the fire chief will hold a news conference on Monday morning.
