EIGHT firefighters from the Talisay City Fire Station in Negros Occidental have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), an official said.

Bureau of Fire Protection-Western Visayas (BFP) Director Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido said five of the firefighters are from the BFP, while three belong to the Talisay City local government unit (LGU).

Candido said some of the firefighters underwent re-swabbing, and the results came back still positive for Covid-19.

The fire station has been placed on lockdown since last week after the first three reported cases.

Seven of the firefighters have been placed in a quarantine facility, while another is currently admitted to a hospital.

The lockdown has also caused the LGU to rely temporarily on the BFP stations in Bacolod City and Silay City should any emergency arise in the city.

Candido also said the Talisay City Fire Station may not be able to operate until at least after September.

"We are trying our best to resume the fire operation and emergency responses in the city," Candido added.