NBFD Prepares for Coronavirus

New Braunfels Fire Department (NBFD) is actively screening 911 callers for the Novel 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will respond to any local transmission utilizing treatment, transport, and decontamination policies and procedures that are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the city’s medical director.

In a March 4 press release, officials said NBFD began screening callers in late January.

MyCanyonLake.com reached out to Canyon Lake Fire/EMS (Comal County ESD No. 3) and Comal County officials to see if special measures are in place locally and will update this story as information becomes available.

The City of New Braunfels said that a positive screening or any other confirmed local transmission would result in a medical response from NBFD personnel specially trained and equipped to respond to hazardous materials/biological incidents.

“The patient would be assessed, treated, and transported to the closest appropriate medical facility utilizing the appropriate isolation techniques, after which all personnel, the ambulance and durable equipment would be properly decontaminated using previously established decontamination procedures and equipment,” the press release stated.

To date, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Comal County and the risk of contracting the virus remains low. Meanwhile, the Office of Public Health, which is the local health authority for county residents, continues to prepare for COVID-19.

Prevention measures for COVID-19 include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when sick, covering coughs, and frequent hand washing using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.