Hospital COVID Outbreak May Have Started In Break Room

15 staff members at Mass. hospital tested positive for COVID-19


Fifteen staff members at Holyoke Medical Center in Holyoke, Mass., tested positive for COVID-19, in an outbreak that may have originated in a hospital break room, according to an article on the WWLP website.

A medical center spokesperson said that it is believed that the staff members had been eating together.

The incident is somewhat similar to an outbreak at Baystate Medical Center in July.

That  outbreak was linked in part to the lack of social distancing in a break room.

In that case, 23 employees and 13 patients had tested positive for COVID-19, at least in part due to the lack of social distancing and wearing of masks in a hospital break room, according to an earlier WWLP article.

Read the full WWLP article.

 

 



November 4, 2020


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities

Quaternary ammonium compounds are a popular disinfectant choice, but they may be causing more harm than good. A review outlines the problems with QACs and offers a solution.


Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.


Baptist Health Acquires South Arkansas Regional Hospital

Now operating as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, the 151-bed facility is the 13th hospital in the Baptist Health system.


Wider View: Planning LED Upgrades Across a Healthcare Portfolio

Upgrade planning has to start with a systemwide, portfolio approach rather than a site-by-site mindset.


Cone Health Plans Hospital in Forsyth County of North Carolina

The 198,593 square-foot facility will be in southeast Forsyth County.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.