More than 50 Kent firefighters are now in quarantine due to positive coronavirus tests, it has been confirmed.

The fire service says there has been no risk to the public and it has "tried and tested plans" in force to deal with the current situation.

Five firefighters have caught the virus along with another staff member at Kent Fire and Rescue (KFRS).

As a result, 53 firefighters and three other employees are self-isolating as a precaution.

Another 17 are in quarantine due to potential exposure or symptoms, not linked to the cases identified within the organisation.

The fire service's website says there are 693 firefighters on its books, meaning about 8% are currently out of action.

A spokesman for KFRS said: "By next week, 69 of the 73 employees self-isolating will have completed the self-isolation period, and those who are operational will be able to return to station, if symptom free.

"Many non-operational members of staff have been able to continue to work from home while self-isolating.

“The service has taken a swift and robust approach to self-isolation, with its own ultra-cautious internal contact and trace process, as well as constantly reviewing risk assessments, and operating in line with national NHS and Public Health England guidance, to keep staff and the public safe.

“Deep cleaning has taken place where necessary, and there has been no risk to the public.

“KFRS has tried and tested plans to manage these types of scenarios, and remains fully operational, despite being extra cautious with its own contact, trace and isolation system.

“As a service we will always be here to save lives and make our county even safer.”

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