The firefighters all work in three different city facilities and wore personal protective equipment when interacting directly with the public, the release said, adding all staff who were exposed to the employees confirmed to have COVID-19 were evaluated for exposure risk, symptoms, and, when recommended, COVID-19 tests, and appropriate action was taken.
Employees who are exposed and/or developing symptoms are identified through the COVID-19 screening and exposure process, the release said. The city follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and works closely with the Williamson County and Cities Health District to minimize COVID-19 risk to employees and the community.
"At this time, the city has enough staffing to continue to meet service demand and is working through plans to address any staffing shortages as they arise," the release said. "Due in part to the increasing occurrence of COVID-19 within the community, we expect more employees to test positive for COVID-19 in the coming weeks, and will share that information only when residents will see a change in services."
While most city facilities are open to the public and offering limited services, all employees and visitors are required to maintain physical distance and wear masks when that is not possible. Employees also are required to take their temperatures upon entering a city facility.
Given the recent case surges in the area, the city is reviewing additional closures to keep the public and staff safe, according to the release.
It also said the city and other health and government partners continue to stress the importance of practicing good personal hygiene and maintaining social distance during essential activities to disrupt the spread of the virus.
