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Houston's first responders take extra precautions during coronavirus pandemic

The Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department are doing what they can to protect their first responders, including wearing personal protective equipment.

HOUSTON — The Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department have been hit hard by the coronavirus with a growing number of positive cases among their ranks and those who need to be under quarantine.

Both departments are doing what they can to protect their first responders. That includes wear personal protective equipment.

Sgt. Robert Ruiz, Jr. of the Houston Police Department talked with KHOU 11 about what officers have to do now on a daily basis.

He said it includes constantly disinfecting patrol cars.

"We spray the seat belt, we spray all the back seat, including the wall and the interior of the door," Ruiz said.

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They try to sanitize everything on the patrol units, including the door handles -- anything a human could touch.

Officers also have personal protection equipment bags which are given the every day at the start of their shift. Each bag includes masks, gloves and goggles.

Sgt. Ruiz said it’s been an adjustment, but one that’s needed.

“You want to take every precaution you can to keep yourself safe and the community you provide for," Ruiz said.

Meanwhile, Houston firefighters are also operating under new personal safety rules. Their equipment includes gloves, masks and gowns.

"I foresee that at some point, we may go to a process where we're requiring our firefighters to wear a surgical mask throughout the day, if it gets to that point," said Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena.

Coronavirus symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, body aches, headaches and stomach issues. Losing your sense of taste and/or smell can also be an early warning sign.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...

  • The air by coughing or sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

Help stop the spread of coronavirus

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Eat and sleep separately from your family members
  • Use different utensils and dishes
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
  • If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
  • Follow social distancing

Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

Get complete coverage of the coronavirus by texting 'FACTS' to 713-526-1111.

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