Testing antibodies in Rochester first responders

Have they been exposed?

But first tonight... the rochester fire department and police department are awaiting test results to see if any staff were previously exposed to coronavirus.

Kimt news 3's annalise johnson is looking into why these results will be helpful to the city as we continue in the pandemic.

She joins us live.

Annalise?

Katie?

George?

First responders can't telecommute.

Rochester police come into work here at the law enforcement center?

And firefighters work from the fire stations, responding to emergencies in our community.

Therefore, they're more at risk of coming into contact with someone who has the virus.

Last weekend?

Rochester police and firefighters were tested for antibodies.

While the city of rochester won't see individual first responders' results?

It will get a baseline overview of how many police and firefighters have been exposed and have a possible level of immunity.

As of right now, we havent had outbreaks in either so it was good to get this to know if maybe it was circulating around without us knowing about it testing was voluntary but approximately 200 first responders opted to get tested.

Live in rochester annalise johnson kimt news 3.

Thank you annalise.

The serology tests were paid for by a federal grant?

But costs were minimal because rochester home infusion and mayo donated most of the time and supplies.