Peel Public Health says a paramedic has tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to the virus at an accident scene.

In a news release on Sunday, health officials said the paramedic and his or her partner were exposed to the novel coronavirus while responding to a motor-vehicle collision. All standard procedures were followed as the patient was transported to the hospital, health officials said.

Only one of the pair of paramedics has contracted the virus and shown symptoms, health officials said, though both paramedics are in isolation at home. No other patients, paramedics or staff were exposed.

“Thankfully, our paramedic is OK right now,” said Peel paramedics Peter Dundas. “Last week, we took extra steps to protect our teams and they now wear masks and eye protection, in addition to gloves, for all calls.”

Peel paramedics have taken several steps to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 while on calls, health officials said. This includes asking bystanders and family members to leave while a patient is being treated, or provide them with a mask if they need to be there. No family members can be transported in the ambulance unless the patient is a minor, and no bags or personal belongings from the patient are allowed inside.

As of Sunday morning, Peel Region had reported 485 cases of COVID-19.

GTA paramedics told the Star’s Wendy Gillis about the emotional toll that fear of the virus is taking on them. One said that colleagues have borrowed trailers and begun camping out in their own driveways, afraid of being exposed through a patient and then infecting their families. Spouses have chosen to live apart, despite needing support more than ever.