Niagara Emergency Medical Services has confirmed that six of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, but no risk to the public has been identified so far.
The employees were tested from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 and none of them were in the workplace while symptomatic or awaiting results. All six employees are self-isolating and Niagara Public Health will be continuing contact tracing as the situation unfolds.
“Niagara EMS continues to be at the frontline of the pandemic and we take all available precautions to protect our people and the community we serve. Despite this, with the impact of COVID-19 on our staff, it is a stark reminder that no one person or group is invincible. Now more than ever we need to physically distance, wear a mask if able, wash hands, restrict social gatherings, and if you are sick stay home and get tested,” said Kevin Smith, Chief at Niagara EMS.
Niagara EMS is an integrated health team that responds to over 63,000 emergency 911 calls a year. It employs over 430 people including paramedics, emergency dispatchers, nurses, logistics support staff and administration to serve the Niagara Region and surrounding areas.