[COVID-19 cluster study at a teaching hospital]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Hospital Management

Background:

• The World Health Organization declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic in March 2020.
• A teaching hospital experienced a COVID-19 outbreak, leading to quarantine and staff testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers among hospital staff.
• To assess the infection rates across different staff categories (physicians, nurses, nonmedical personnel).
• To evaluate the feasibility of maintaining hospital operations during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Two-phase COVID-19 testing of all hospital staff (n=1170 and n=953).
• Analysis of infection rates based on staff roles and patient contact.
• Evaluation of hospital operation management under strict hygiene and patient selection protocols.

Main Results:

• Asymptomatic COVID-19 carrier positivity rates were 1.6% and 2.6% in the two testing phases.
• Cumulative infection rates varied: Nonmedical Personnel (NMP) at 1.6%, doctors at 3.8%, and nurses at 9.7%.
• Despite 34.8% of beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, risk-free management was partially achievable.

Conclusions:

• Silent carriers pose a significant challenge to maintaining a COVID-19-free hospital environment.
• Strict hygiene protocols and careful patient selection are crucial for managing hospital operations during the pandemic.
• The findings highlight the importance of continuous surveillance and testing of healthcare workers.