Five South Bend firefighters have been quarantined after interacting with a coronavirus patient last Saturday.

The 911 call was unrelated to COVID-19, but the department was informed late last week that the patient has now tested positive for the virus.

In response, the department has implemented processes and protocols to prevent exposure, including limiting interaction with patients, wearing full personal protective equipment, and following new protocol when handing off a patient at the hospital.

Those who call 911 for unrelated emergencies are asked to notify dispatchers if they are also exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.