Second Tuscaloosa Firefighter Tests Positive for COVID-19

Another firefighter with the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Service has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a press release the department released Tuesday.

The infected first responder has been placed on paid administrative leave and is resting at home, according to the release.

Although just two firefighters have tested positive for the highly contagious virus, Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue has placed a total of 26 firefighters who may have been exposed to coronavirus on paid leave out of an abundance of caution.

“We would like to remind the community that our response capability has not changed, and the department remains fully capable of responding to their needs,” Chief Randy Smith said in the release.

The news comes six days after the department's first firefighter tested positive for COVID-19.