Preserving and protecting the health of first responders is critical to Stafford’s plan for managing the Coronavirus outbreak. Officials are evaluating policies and procedures on a daily basis as information is disseminated from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Everything is being evaluated from the sanitization of equipment and facilities to methods of identifying and dealing with possible exposures. Stafford is ensuring all responders are provided necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) including cloth masks from local sewists.

“I want to reassure the public that we have staffing models in place to continue the high level of service upon which Stafford’s residents depend for their own safety,” said Fire Chief Joseph Cardello. “We are asking the public to help us. If you are going to come into contact with a first responder, give them an immediate heads up if you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus or could have been exposed.”

To further protect first responders, the Rappahannock Area Health Department is providing vital   information to assist the County Infection Control Team to more safely respond while remaining in compliance with the CDC’s COVID-19 exposure mitigation guidelines.

Stafford is asking for the public’s help in two regards:

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, a fever of 100.4 or more and coughing) please alert 911 or first responder of your status before they approach you if possible. If possible, have a healthy family member update the responder of your status.
• Stafford is still taking donations of regular size sewn cloth masks. Local sewists are asked to   follow the instructions referenced by Mary Washington Healthcare at https://bit.ly/39Al8Va. Donations may be dropped off at Stafford’s COVID-19 warehouse at 1326 Courthouse Road. You must call ahead at (540) 658-5304 or email eocdonations@staffordcountyva.gov to schedule a drop-off.

Stafford officials express their appreciation for the public’s cooperation in staying home. Our priority is to do everything we can to reduce Stafford’s number of cases. Please continue to heed the Governor’s stay-at-home directive to help quell the Coronavirus.