NORWICH - The Norwich Fire Department is doing what it can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, and representatives said while they currently have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, they will need more if the active virus cases in Norwich spike.

According to Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, additional supplies from New York State have yet to come in, but the department has enacted safety procedures to help prevent first-responders from contracting the coronavirus.

“I believe we’re as prepared as any other agency in the county when it comes to PPE - we’ve got masks, gloves, and gowns,” said Papelino. “If this thing grows as quickly as anticipated, everything could change very quickly.”

“Certainly the whole supply chain for PPE that the whole community uses is very strained, and unfortunately, our suppliers for gloves are completely out of stock now.”