While much of the workforce hunkers down and works from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s not an option for Alabama’s first responders.

As of Monday afternoon, there were 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. There are 17 cases in Jefferson County; three each in Shelby and Tuscaloosa counties; two in Montgomery County and and one each in Baldwin, Elmore, Lee, and Limestone counties.

Police and firefighters across the state will be responding to emergencies like they always do, but with added precaution.

Jefferson County EMA Director Jim Coker said law enforcement and fire service leaders met Monday with Jefferson County Health Department officials to discuss best practices moving forward. “The purpose was to talk about protecting first responders as they answer their calls and the second was for jail populations,’’ Coker said. “There were guidelines given.”

“We’ve never been here before,’’ said Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker. “It’s going to be a new reality, hopefully for just a short period of time.”

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service is distributing a new brochure amid the coronavirus concerns called “What to Expect When You Call 911.” According to Battalion Chief Sebastian Carrillo, public safety dispatchers will ask callers a series of questions. “These are very simple questions, such as have you traveled out of the country, do you have a fever and our response will depend on those answers.’’

Based on the answers and probability of exposure to COVID-19, first responders may increase/decrease the level of protective gear that is worn by them. The increased level of protection designed to protect the patient and the first responder, Carrillo said.

If there are concerns about the possibility of COVID-19, only the patient will be allowed in the transport unit. Family members will have to ride to the hospital in separate vehicles. The patient will them be transported to a facility that is prepared to treat the illness.

Center Point Fire Chief Gene Coleman said his department is holding daily briefings with the crews. “We are emphasizing the need for good hygiene and washing, decontaminating the trucks and taking extra precautions to assess the scene before entry,’’ Coleman said. Just like dispatchers across the county, they are screening through 911 with additional questions.

Additionally, he said, they’ve set aside one transport vehicle for any patient that is possibly contagious so that multiple vehicles won’t be contaminated.

“We’re open 24-7,’’ Coleman said. “This won’t delay response or treatment. We’re just going to be a little more cautious and vigilant before we access the scene.”

Authorities said to keep in mind the added precautions are for calls for service that deal with possible COVID-19 patients, not gunshot victims or any other kind of acute trauma or illness.

Many fire departments are adhering to the same guidelines, which are coming from the CDC and health department officials.

Multiple police departments around the state are suspending fingerprinting for the general public, which is usually done for employment background checks. Suspects in crimes will still be printed as usual. Many departments will try to take as many police reports over the phone, but again not for serious crimes. Some jails have suspended visitation.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this,” said Brent Patterson, a spokesman for the Madison County sheriff’s office. “We’re doing a lot of what everyone else is doing--hand washing and sanitizing. We’re humans like everybody else.”

Visitation is continuing at the Madison County jail because it’s conducted via video monitor. Patterson said staff are disinfecting all equipment to help keep the public and employees safe.

“In the event you need help, we’re coming,” Patterson said of those who call 911 in emergenies. “But we ask that you tell us if you are experiencing symptoms to help us control the spread of the virus.”

And, in an effort to practice “safe distance” due to the COVID-19, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office strongly encourages the public to use our online forms for their pistol permit.

Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Rod Mauldin said officers are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment during interactions with the general public such as traffic stops, checkpoints and calls for services. “There will be no changes to the response protocol nor crime-fighting efforts,’’ he said.

All BPD community events, presentations, and programs have been postponed. Internally, Birmingham officers and staff are encouraged to implement social distancing measures. Patrol officers will conduct all roll calls in the field and meetings will be held via conference calls.

Also, there will be no authorized meetings inside of police facilities or community rooms until further notice. “In this challenging time, the Birmingham Police Department will remain tactical and technically proficient while protecting the health of the community members and our employees,’’ he said.

The Morgan County sheriff’s office is working with the court system to determine whether inmates who are at high risk for the virus can be released from jail, said Mike Swafford, a sheriff’s office spokesman.

The lobby of the jail in Decatur has been closed, including for visitation. But inmates are being given two free online video visits per week, Swafford said.

Deputies are carrying kits that include protective eyewear, face shields, masks, gloves, sanitizer, disinfectant and more.

“I know that other (Baldwin County police departments) are having these conversations as well,” said Fairhope Patrol Lieutenant John Hamrick concerning police department closures. “We’re still going to be doing our jobs and taking people to jail, we’re just trying to limit physical contact with the public.”

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said with schools closed, his department will use the school resource officers for added manpower in other areas. As of now, nobody at the Hoover Police Department is working remotely.

“The bottom line is we’re going to do whatever we have to do to keep the community safe,’’ he said.

“We’re all pretty much doing the same thing,’’ Walker, the Gardendale police chief, said. “Whenever possible, we’re trying to take calls over the phone, but when we have to do something person, we’re trying not to expose as many police officers and firefighters to the situation as we normally would.”

Reports that might be taken over the phone would include a minor theft or harassing communications. They have some personal protective equipment – like gloves and masks – and hope to get more in.

“It’s going to be really hard to do things to protect yourself, but we have to try to keep that in mind,’’ the chief said. “There’s a definite risk. We’ll do the best we can.”

At the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, they are following the CDC guidelines as well and so far, no major changes to street response. As for inmates being booked into Jefferson County Jail, additional screening is being done based on the guidelines. All visitation there is already done via video communication so there will be no changes there.

“We don’t want people to panic,’’ Derzis said. “We’re going to be there when they call us.”

AL.com reporters Ashley Remkus and Levi Edwards contributed to this report