More than 30 employees at SC hospital test positive for coronavirus, officials say
On the same day that it was announced there were 151 new cases of people testing positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina one of the state’s largest hospital systems confirmed 34 of its employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
While providing an update on the number of patients it is testing for the coronavirus, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston released the information about its workforce.
Hospital officials said MUSC is contacting any patients who might have come in contact with one of the employees who tested positive.
“We have internal notification and tracing protocols in place to contact those patients who may have been at high-risk for exposure from a health care provider,” MUSC spokeswoman Heather Woolwine said in a news release.
The 34 employees who tested positive for COVID-19 all work at MUSC in Charleston. Information on other MUSC facilities in Florence, Marion,Chester and Lancaster was not available.
There was no word if the employees are being treated at the hospital, or if they are self quarantining.
In all, MUSC reported it has performed 2,944 physical tests for the coronavirus, and 208 have been positive. That includes the employees, as well as five patients admitted to the hospital for treatment. The other 169 people testing positive for COVID-19 are classified as outpatient status, according to the release.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“At MUSC Health, the safety of patients, families, care team members, students, faculty and staff remain the number one priority,” Woolwine said.
MUSC officials said they are working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Guard to plan a MASH-style care facility on campus, “should it be needed, adding approximately 270 more beds for COVID-19 patients who do not require critical care.”
Since early March, DHEC reported there have been 123 positive COVID-19 tests in Charleston County, following only Richland County (135) for most of any county in South Carolina. One person died after testing positive in Charleston County, according to DHEC.
A stay at home ordinance was approved in the city of Charleston last week in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
On Monday, 151 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 925 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 41 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to 18 in less than a month. State health officials described all 18 as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
There have been 4,160 negative tests at DHEC’s public health laboratory.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Tuesday morning, 800,049 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 38,743 people have died, while 170,325 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 164,610 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 3,170 deaths have been reported, including 914 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
DONATIONS
MUSC Health is encouraging the community to donate the following supplies at the MUSC Warehouse in North Charleston, located at 4295 Arco Lane Charleston, SC 29418, in preparation for patient surges related to COVID-19:
▪ N95 masks
▪ Surgical masks
▪ Protective eyewear
▪ Face guards and face shields
▪ Sterile gloves
▪ Hand sanitizer
▪ Industrial cleaning wipes
▪ Thermometers (all kinds)
▪ Hydroxychloroquine
▪ Azithromycin
▪ Ethanol
▪ 200 proof USP-grade alcohol
SOURCE: MUSC
