Ten healthcare workers at Los Banos clinic test positive for coronavirus
Following the news of 12 newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Merced County on Thursday, the Department of Public Health reported that 10 of the new cases are healthcare workers at Sutter Health Rural Health Clinic in Los Banos.
The news came the same day it was reported that an employee at a Los Banos food plant tested positive for the virus.
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, fever, and cough) who visited the Los Banos clinic on or near March 29 through April 8 is urged to call their medical provider, according to a Department of Public Health news release.
Public health officials say to call in advance before going in for testing.
The clinic is closed for disinfection, the release said. It will reopen with limited services and teleservices once it has been properly cleaned.
“I would very much like to applaud the cooperation of Sutter Health and this facility with the Merced County Public Health Department in their efforts to slow the spread of this illness by assisting in the identifying and contacting all those possibly exposed and in bringing their health care facility back online rapidly and safely,” said Merced County Health Officer Dr. Kenneth Bird in the release.
The infected healthcare workers were ordered to remain under isolation at home, the release said. None of the individuals have been hospitalized or have died.
Public Health is tracing and contacting individuals who may have been exposed to the infected individuals.
Coronavirus infection rates among healthcare workers are higher than in other fields because of daily interaction and contact with ill patients, the release said.
“Healthcare providers are on the front lines of battling this pandemic and their role puts them at a high risk for exposure,” said Public Health Director Dr. Rebecca Nanyonjo-Kemp in the release. “Please do not panic or be fearful.”
“We know that healthcare workers are vital to our community and hope for a successful recovery for those affected by COVID-19.”
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 7:10 PM.
