Dear colleagues,
Yesterday, one of our healthcare workers was found to be positive for COVID-19, acquired from a community source. This colleague was masked and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment at the time mild symptoms began and went home immediately. The risk from this case to patients and other colleagues is very low, but the locations involved at the medical center have been notified so that those who may have had contact could begin self-monitoring and report any symptoms to Occupational Health for evaluation and testing. This individual has not been at the Irvine campus during the past two weeks.
We are asking the infected colleague to remain at home, practice social distancing, monitor for fever by taking their temperature twice a day and stay vigilant for cough or difficulty breathing. Please respect this individual’s confidentiality.
UCI Health is following guidelines established by the CDC, Orange County Health Care Agency, and UCI Health Epidemiology and Infection Prevention. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
Please take this opportunity to review the UCI Health Working Well Policy.
If you have a fever:
- Do not come to work if you have a fever >100.0 F
- Do not take fever-reducing medication to be able to come to work
- Return to work after 24 hours of being fever-free without fever-reducing medications
If you have mild illness without fever:
- If able, work from home
- If able, attend meetings by phone at your desk or at home instead of in person
- Wear a mask to work if you feel well enough to work but have cough or cold symptoms
- Minimize face-to-face clinical care, as able, and absolutely do not interact with immunosuppressed patients
- Disinfect your hands before touching items others may touch
- Do not shake hands with others
With community spread, everyone is now at risk for potential exposure. We remind you to practice social distancing and frequent handwashing. Any staff member who has fever and respiratory symptoms must stay home and immediately contact Occupational Health for instructions.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to our patients during this challenging public health event.
Sincerely,
Larry A. Anstine,
Interim CEO, UCI Health
Michael J. Stamos, MD
Dean, UCI School of Medicine
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