On Thursday, officials with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) reported four employees tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A statement from TGH said the team members were exposed to COVID-19 either through community spread or travel — and because the employees are members of the community, they are “no exception.”
They were sent home to self isolate for at least 14 days and cannot return to work until asymptomatic and two negative tests.
The employees has both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Last week, TGH instituted new temporary visitation rules in an effort to prevent spread of COVID-19:
- Adult patients can designate one support person who will be the patient’s only approved visitor.
- For pediatric patients (including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU]), both parents will be approved visitors.
- For patients giving birth, their partner and a certified birth assistant (doula) can both be present during delivery. The partner can remain after delivery.
- No other visitors will be allowed during this time. Each approved visitor must provide a photo ID to enter the hospital.