10 Corpus Christi first responders isolated after patient showed symptoms of COVID-19

Alexandria Rodriguez, Corpus Christi Caller TimesPublished 11:34 a.m. CT March 31, 2020 | Updated 11:39 a.m. CT March 31, 2020

Coronavirus has led to a nationwide shortage of blood and blood products. Donors are needed, at the same time donors are worried about exposure. 

Ten Corpus Christi first responders are being quarantined after it was discovered a person they helped in a crash Tuesday morning had symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Four police officers and six firefighters are now isolated pending test results of person showing symptoms, according to a city news release.  

Early Monday, Corpus Christi police said they were responding to a major crash on Gollihar Road and Ayers Street. 

Bobby Rankin, practice manager of Physicians Express, holds up a COVID-19 test kit on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The practice received a limited amount of test kits and is making appointments to see patients in its office on Santa Fe Street, which opened on Thursday. Individuals who think they may have coronavirus will first be tested for the flu and strep throat, treated with anitiviruals for seven days and if they are still ill then they will receive a test, Rankin said. (Photo: Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times)

A person in the crash was trapped and had to be extricated before they were taken to a nearby hospital. The person will be tested, the release states. 

"The City of Corpus Christi is committed to ensuring the safety of first responders and will take necessary action to protect the personnel, their families, and the community," the release reads.