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Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Give Briefing on COVID-19 Response Strategies

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First Responders Highlight Methods to Protect Themselves, the Public

EXETER — Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District is issuing a video briefing on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response strategies their departments are following to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus to their staff and the public. 

The District includes 37 area New Hampshire Fire Departments, six Massachusetts Fire Departments and four Maine Fire Departments. 

“Ensuring the continued health of our staff is critical, and if we do experience an increased number of medical calls due to this pandemic, we have prepared by putting a series of preventative procedures in place to preserve the health of our staff and the public,” said Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District President and Epping Fire Chief Don DeAngelis. 

Dispatchers have already begun asking those calling for medical assistance if they are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, including fever, difficulty breathing or a cough. When first responders arrive to a call involving an individual who may have the virus, they are additionally practicing social distancing when possible and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including goggles, masks, gloves and gowns. Patients who have the virus will also be given a mask to prevent others from contracting the virus.

Additionally, ambulances are being disinfected with an electrostatic fog machine between each use to reduce risk of exposure to both first responders and patients.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases.

Local, state and federal health officials are also encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • When sick yourself, stay home to protect others and practice social distancing.
  • Always cover your cough or sneeze.

Anyone who is experiencing a fever and respiratory illness and is concerned they have either come into contact with the virus or traveled to an affected country within the last 14 days is advised to contact their primary health care provider.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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West Newbury Police and Fire Departments Temporarily Suspend Walk-in Services

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WEST NEWBURY — Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Police Chief Jeffrey Durand report that the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments are suspending walk-in services temporarily to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus, to staff and the public.

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic this week by the World Health Organization and has moved Governor Charlie Baker to declare a State of Emergency in Massachusetts and President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency.

Effective immediately and until further notice, the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments at 401 Main St. are suspending walk-in, non emergency services, and instead are asking residents to contact the police and fire business lines or send an e-mail for non-emergencies.

  • West Newbury Police Department business line: 978-363-1212.
  • West Newbury Fire Department business line: 978-363-1111.
  • Residents looking to fill out a burning permit can do so by clicking here.
  • Member of the public can also submit public records requests, LTC renewals and first-time applications by emailing police@westnewburysafety.org.
  • The West Newbury Fire Department can also be reached by email at fire@westnewburysafety.org.

Residents are additionally reminded to call 911 in an emergency, and police, firefighters and EMS will respond to various emergency situations as they normally would.

“Reducing the number of people visiting the police and fire stations in person is a simple step we can take to prevent unnecessary risk of exposure to this virus,” Fire Chief Dwyer said. “We thank residents for your understanding, cooperation and patience as we all continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.”

This is a temporary measure. Officials said they do not know how long these restrictions will be in place.

“It’s important for us all to do what we can to help prevent the spread of this virus, and we thank residents for their understanding as we implement this measure and proceed with social distancing when possible,” Police Chief Durand said. “We also encourage residents to continue washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, stay home when sick, cover your cough and, if you believe you may have this virus, contact your health care provider.”

First responders throughout the nation are practicing social distancing when responding to emergency calls. When responding to a call for service, first responders will ask residents to do the same, which entails keeping separated by approximately 6 feet if possible.

Police and firefighters have also been instructed not to shake hands or make any other personal contact unless absolutely necessary (or necessary during a life-threatening emergency or medical emergency) to avoid transmitting the virus.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments are on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These temporary measures will be reviewed on a continuous basis. When changes are necessary, they will be communicated to the public.

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Chief Jeff Durand

401 Main Street
Public Safety Building
West Newbury, MA 01985

Phone: 978-363-1212
Fax: 978-363-1114

In Case of Emergency, Dial 911

News Media: 617-993-0003

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