Even in cities with big hospitals, the novel coronavirus is testing the limits of the modern health care system. But fighting the virus in rural Alaska presents additional challenges: Some of Alaska’s remote villages can be 100 miles from the nearest hospital, and many are disconnected from the road system and only reachable by plane.
- PUB DATE: 3/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Alaska Public Media News

A South Florida elected official is facing some backlash from emergency workers after he appeared to propose exposing firefighters to the new coronavirus as a way of ensuring there are more people with immunity to help fight the spread of the disease. Miami Beach Commissioner Ricky Arriola on Friday at an emergency city meeting asked if there were doctors in the audience.
- PUB DATE: 3/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: South Florida Sun Sentinel - Metered Site

The IAFC is continuing to monitor the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) inside the United States. As your agency likely is preparing to care for potential patients and protect firefighters and EMS personnel from exposures, please know that the IAFC stands with you and is ready to help. In addition to continuously updating the Coronavirus resources page, the IAFC Coronavirus Task Force held their first meeting last week.
- PUB DATE: 3/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IAFC.org

When the call came across the pagers, there was something in the dispatcher’s voice that signaled it was serious. “Her voice sounded distressed.” “I knew I had to put on real clothes for this one.” “You could tell the panic in the page.” “We could hear it, the seriousness, but the average person probably wouldn’t.
- PUB DATE: 3/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Alexandria Echo Press

Five firefighters with Puget Sound Fire are now in quarantine after possible exposure to COVID-19. Captain Joe Root says none of the firefighters are showing symptoms and that this is being done out of an abundance of caution. “All five are doing fine as of (Saturday) night,” said Root. “None of them are symptomatic.
- PUB DATE: 3/16/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle