Spokesperson Rebecca MacGregor confirmed to Becker’s that a cluster of employees began to show COVID-19 symptoms about two weeks ago, and 15 employees tested positive. She said 10 of the employees were exclusively connected to the emergency department, and at least two were medically cleared to return to work this week.
Hospital officials believe the outbreak originated in a break room where staff members were eating.
CEO Spiros Hatiras told Western Mass News: “We think we traced it back to employees eating a meal together in a break room, and obviously when you are eating a meal, you take your mask off and they contracted it from one employee who was positive.”
Holyoke Medical Center has implemented new policies, according to Ms. MacGregor, including capacity limits in all break rooms.
“We would like to stress that Holyoke Medical Center is continuing to safely provide the high quality care our community expects. People should continue to feel comfortable choosing Holyoke Medical Center for their care,” she said.
The medical center has 1,200 employees, according to its website.
More articles on workforce:
Which states saw unemployment rise, fall last month?
Cook County Health to add 466 positions for contact tracing, social distancing
Hundreds of New Mexico healthcare workers make public plea to slow COVID-19 spread
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.