Posted: Jul 13, 2020 / 01:38 PM HSTUpdated: Jul 13, 2020 / 03:38 PM HST
HONOLULU (KHON2) – Two Hawaii medical facilities reported new coronavirus cases.
Kona Community Hospital has confirmed that on July 10, an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
KCH says no additional employees have tested positive and the employee is quarantined at home.
“Per hospital protocols, nursing is in the process of tracking and testing any employees who may have been in contact with the staff member.”
Interim Chief Nurse Officer Stephanie Irwin, RN, MSN
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, KCH has been monitoring all staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and providing testing when appropriate.
The Hawaii State Department of Health has been consulted and supports the hospital’s care management of this employee which includes precautions to protect KCH patients and staff.
Meanwhile, on Oahu, Adventist Health Castle confirmed that there was a coronavirus-related case among their staff. Though they did not provide the number of positive cases, they did state that it was a “non-clinical area with no patient contact.”
Despite strict safety protocols, yes, we can confirm and have taken immediate steps to protect co-workers by sending them home to quarantine. Though this is in a non-clinical area with no patient contact, we are testing other hospital staff several times during the following two weeks to identify any potential additional positive tests. These actions reflect best practice and guidelines outlined by the CDC to protect our associates and patients. We take all matters seriously and make it a top priority.“
Adventist Health Castle statement
For the latest in CDC guidelines and protocol, visit the CDC’s page for Business and Workplaces.