New guidance from the California Department of Health (CDPH) intended to ease a critical staff shortage at hospitals is facing immediate backlash from nurses.
Meanwhile, some staff members less than a half-dozen, officials stated in the email have also tested positive for COVID-19. Most of them were asymptomatic and none have been hospitalized, according to the hospital.
Citing privacy rules, Alvarado Hospital officials did not provide a specific number of cases or the dates of their occurrence. Nor did the hospital not provide NBC 7 with the total number of patients in the unit.
The behavior health unit, which is separate from Alvarado’s main hospital, is located in the so-called West Tower. The unit remains open and operational, officials said.
“Alvarado Hospital Medical Center takes the safety and care of our patients and staff extremely seriously, and all measures and precautions are being taken in accordance with CDC, state and local health department guidelines,” said Benjamin Macapugay, the regional manager of marketing and communications with Alvarado Hospital Medical Center.