170 pediatric ICU staff reporting to work despite COVID exposure
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The Daily Progress
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Staff are continuing to work pending tests to prevent the unit from shutting down.
170 pediatric ICU staff reporting to work despite COVID exposure
dailyprogress.com
https://t.co/KsqhjRzNff?amp=1
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An estimated 170 medical personnel in the University of Virginia Medical Centers pediatric intensive care unit were exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient last weekend, but caregivers are continuing to work pending their own tests to avoid shutting down the unit.
Hospital officials said they implemented critical staffing protocols that increase testing frequency for the staff, require additional personal protective gear and additional screening to keep the childrens ICU open.
Under normal circumstances, those caregivers exposed to a positive-testing patient would be placed on paid administrative leave for 14 days to quarantine. But with the majority of the units staff being exposed, that was not possible, officials said.
Officials said a child came to the hospital in critical condition and needed several emergency procedures. The child tested negative for COVID-19 upon admittance. About eight days later, a positive test of a family member was reported to the hospital and the child was retested and proved positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.