Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Fire Department s changing the way it responds to certain medical calls.

Those experiencing a medical emergency may still dial 911. However, depending on symptoms, 911 dispatchers may instruct callers to go outside, if they are able, when the ambulance arrives.

“EMS staff will give you a mask to put on as they ask questions and assess next steps,” the city reported on its Twitter page Tuesday. “This helps protect our EMS crew from being exposed to additional germs in your home.”

The announcement comes amid a statewide stay-at-home order to stop the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The order is scheduled to expire at the end of April 7.

As of this report, there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago County.