Syracuse, N.Y. — Upstate University Hospital confirmed today that 16 of its employees and two students have tested positive for coronavirus.

It did not provide any information about their conditions.

“We are concerned that, with the Upstate family on the frontlines of this pandemic, the numbers of infected will increase. Together, we have—and must—take every possible precaution,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University president, said in an email to employees.

He said Upstate has taken numerous steps to lower the rate of transmission, such as taking temperatures of everyone who enters its facilities.

Dewan said Upstate employees exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus should go home immediately and speak with their primary care provider.

So far at least 27 workers at Syracuse hospitals have caught the virus.

Crouse Hospital reported Wednesday four employees have tested positive, while St. Joseph’s Health said Tuesday seven employees have the virus.

James T. Mulder covers health news. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com

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