11 Kirkland first responders released from quarantine

Twenty-nine firefighters and four police officers remain quarantined.

March 11, 2020 1:30 pm
Fire Station 21 is housing first responders who have been exposed to COVID-19. Blake Peterson/staff photo
Fire Station 21 is housing first responders who have been exposed to COVID-19. Blake Peterson/staff photo

Eleven Kirkland first responders have been released from after undergoing the 14-day quarantine period after being exposed to the coronavirus.

As of March 10, there are still 29 firefighters and four police officers in quarantine after potential coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure.

According to a city of Kirkland press release, Fire Station 21 remains inactive and is being used as a quarantine site for first responders, in addition to a second unidentified facility.

Eleven test results came back negative and one test result came back positive for COVID-19, the release states. A total of 16 first responders are experiencing symptoms.

Regardless of test results, first responders with potential exposure to COVID-19 are undergoing the 14-day quarantine period.

First responders are “going to work if it’s their regular rotations,” city communications manager Kellie Stickney said.

The state Department of Health informed the city that some of the earlier test samples collected may no longer be viable because too much time has lapsed since the specimens were collected. Secondary tests are now being issued.