Chicago-area hospitals are taking steps to keep employees safe and prevent a shortage of healthcare workers as the coronavirus spreads, according to an article on the Crain's Chicago Business website.
There is a concern among health systems nationwide that “even if you do everything right, you could still have an exposure,” Rush CEO Dr. Omar Lateef said in the article. “If you have multiple exposures at the same time . . . the impression is there will be staff shortages.”
Healthcare providers should take a “conservative approach” when it comes to monitoring employees, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance
For example, workers without personal protective equipment who had prolonged close contact with an infected patient are being advised to not work for 14 days after the last exposure.
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