First responders the Fire Emergency Services Authority are well equipped with Personal Protective Equipment to minimise their exposure to hazards such as the coronavirus, the nation's fire chief says. 

Some countries have been in the grip of a shortage of the equipment, such as masks, as panic buying has set in, leaving emergency services without adequate supplies. 

The Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services (F.E.S.A.), Lelevaga Faafouina Mupo, said the emergency services team had been preparing for the possibility of an outbreak. 

“We are working closely with the National Health Services under the umbrella of the Disaster Advisory Committee specifically for the coronavirus," Lelevaga said. 

"We don’t respond to all the calls we have to investigate whether it's flu like symptoms or its emergency cases.” 

He said there is enough personal protective equipment to help minimise exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. 

“We have paramedics from New Zealand and Australia here to conduct refresher courses for first aid. And they are also to assist in giving us tips and evaluating all the calls, whether its related to the virus or its an emergency case,” he said. 

There are close to 60 staff on hand to assist the operation and eight [people on duty each] shift,” explained Lelevaga. 

He also urged the public not to call 911 if they have flu related symptoms. 

“Please call the 8006440 the toll free number if you have the flu symptoms, not the F.E.S.A.," he said. 

Other health lines include, 21176; 21173; 21183; 22914; 22241 and 24402

“This is a 24 hour service by M.O.H.. Call these phone numbers for anything regarding [coronavirus] in the country.”