Credit SSL Fire Department
SOUTH SALT LAKE – South Salt Lake Fire Chief Terry Addison told the city council recently that first responders have gone out on at least three calls to places like long-term care facilities during the pandemic where they were not told the patient had COVID-19.
That could be an issue for any department, but particularly a small one.
“One person gets it, and then you infect two, who infects two more, and it doubles each time. Pretty soon, your public safety departments would be ineffective,” Addison said.
Last week, the city council voted on a new ordinance that makes it a Class B Misdemeanor not to let dispatch and first responders know if you, or the person you are calling about, has COVID-19 or any communicable disease that is an immediate threat to public health or safety.
Chief Addison said first responders also need to know that information so they can bring along the right amount of personal protective equipment.
“That way we know we protect ourselves right when we walk through the door. Because who knows how many people in that facility could be exposed? We’re protecting the response, who in turn, will help slow the spread,” Addison said.
Councilmember Shane Siwik was one of two “no” votes. He felt the ordinance was too broad.
“We are making it a crime for, let’s say, a life partner…taking care of somebody with AIDS to not report that,” Siwik said.
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization