There’s no working from home when you’re an EMT or a local cop walking the beat.

As novel coronavirus cases continue to climb in New Jersey and across the U.S. — and residents retreat to their homes to help prevent its spread — first responders remain in harm’s way.

“It’s hard to imagine this isn’t going to touch us at some point,” said Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell, referring to the likelihood someone in law enforcement will catch the virus in the course of their duties.

Amid the outbreak, there have been reports of mask-rationing and shortages of sanitizing wipes and other medical supplies. State authorities say more equipment is on the way, but the rapid spread of COVID-19 raises an uncomfortable question for first responders:

How do you “self-distance” when your job is up close and personal?

Some police departments have taken steps to limit direct person-to-person contact to situations where it’s absolutely necessary.

Authorities in Summit are taking police reports by phone until further notice. Howell cops are scaling back on responding to routine medical calls.

But while police departments and emergency crews are doubling back on their training and reiterating the importance of personal protective gear and sanitation, experts say there is not much first responders can do besides being extra vigilant.

“Law enforcement, emergency services, health care providers in general are going to be at higher risk of exposure because of the nature of the jobs,” said Brian Higgins, the former public safety director in Bergen County.

“You’re going to see officers who normally hold off wearing gloves a little bit more,” said Higgins, now a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. “Officers are going to be given (respirator masks) and provided that opportunity, but it’s not ebola. They’re not wearing gas masks.”

Police and emergency responders interviewed by NJ Advance Media said they’re walking a tightrope, trying to keep the public — and themselves — informed and protected without stoking panic.

Jeff Behm, president of the medical transport company Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corp., said much of the precautions taken by his responders are the standard operating procedures — just a little more so.

“We do have to go into places we’re not familiar with, and we don’t always get the best information,” Behm said. "You never know what you’re walking into. That was the case before COVID-19.”

Jim Ryan, a deputy chief at the South Brunswick Police Department, said his officers are seeing the same headlines about canceled seasons and closed schools as anyone else.

“For an officer, that can create increased anxiety," Ryan said. "So we have to, from the local perspective, to keep them informed as best as possible.”

Ryan said Police Chief Raymond Hayducka had ordered in January a supply of individual hand sanitizers for officers and re-issued policies on using gloves and keeping a safe distance when possible.

A spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said troopers are issued gloves, a disposable isolation gown, an N-95 respirator mask and eye protection and instructed to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for law enforcement.

Behm, from MONOC, said many of the preventive measures taken by his staff are the steps first responders should be taking even under normal conditions.

The company encourages employees to take off their service boots before entering their homes, for example, and not to commingle their uniforms with their regular laundry, he said.

Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said in a memo to his officers there would be “no direct" police response to routine medical calls, “unless the call is urgent," in which case officers would wear respirator masks.

”Officers who are experiencing symptoms are expected to remain home, and if there’s a spread within the department, it could force the entire police department to move its operation or call in mutual aid," Kudrick said in the memo.

“Undoubtedly this will effect the community. We absolutely cannot be responsible for transmitting this virus to those we interact with during the course of our duties.”

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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