Officials with the City of Stuart released a statement on social media, today (Tuesday), saying that they were notified a part-time member of the Stuart Rescue Squad tested positive for COVID-19. The City says staff member transported patients by ambulance previously to testing positive, but did not have COVID-19 symptoms at that time. The individual is not currently working, and will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines before returning to work.

The City states Stuart Rescue’s policy has been to wear N95 masks, safety glasses or goggles, and gloves with all patients since April, and there were no patient contacts without the appropriate personal protective equipment in place. Facilities and equipment continue to be routinely and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to the CDC’s recommendations.

The City is working with Stuart Fire and Rescue for contact tracing, and will notify each significant contact and offer instructions for preventing the spread of disease. Stuart Fire and Rescue continues to serve its communities, taking all recommended precautions to protect themselves and those they serve from exposure to any illness.

Officials ask residents to do their part in helping stop the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face cover when with others, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, keeping at least six feet away from others, and staying home as much as possible.