CONCORD, NH- Nine City firefighters who were self-quarantined at home have been cleared to return to duty after a person they came in contact with tested negative for COVID-19.

The nine members from two different fire companies responded to the same residence on different days for EMS runs unrelated to the coronavirus. Interim Concord Fire Chief Guy Newbury reported a patient from the home was transported to the hospital twice and someone in the household later exhibited signs of COVID-19.

The city announced a few days later that the test results revealed the patient were not infected with COVID-19 and all nine firefighters were cleared to leave home after being quarantined and return to duty.

"The department will continue to utilize the protocols put into place regarding personal protective equipment so our department can continue to treat patients in out community safely," city officials said in a statement. City firefighters were only using personal protective equipment or PPE on medical calls where COVID-19 was suspected. However, the recent scare quickly resulted in a change of department policy even when a patient is not suspected of COVID-19.