Homewood paramedics who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus are still working, the village said in a statement released Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the village sent a statement that incorrectly said the three paramedics were sent home and placed under self-quarantine. Wednesday’s statement clarified that mistake.
“Under current CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health and County guidance, these paramedics are able to function at their regular capacity. If there was to be any change in their condition, or as would be for any citizen, appropriate medical guidelines would be followed,” Wednesday’s statement read.
The agencies allow paramedic to stay on the job following an exposure, with the provision that they continue to self-monitor for symptoms. If they experience any COVID-19 symptoms, the first responders must get tested.
The paramedics were exposed to COVID-19 while responding to a call. Homewood officials didn’t offer any details about that call.
They have not experienced any symptoms of the virus.
Fire Chief Bob Grabowski notified Dr. Bernard Heilicser about the exposure. Heilicser is the Region 7 Project medical director for South Cook County EMS, which operates through the UCMedicine/Ingalls Memorial health care system.
As of March 25, the Cook County Department of Public Health had identified 1,418 cases of COVID-19 in the county, including 503 in the suburbs.