Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center confirms first employee COVID-19 case

According to a news release, Penn State Health announced on Saturday March, 21 that an employee at one of its outpatient practices on the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19.

The test was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health on March 20 and the individual went home as soon as symptoms were recognized, and has been at home since that time, according to the release.

The evidence suggests the employee was exposed through a family member and not at the workplace. The employee is following treatment according to protocols and procedure regarding COVID-19.

Penn State Health notified a small number of patients who may have interacted with the staff member, recommending they self-quarantine and monitor themselves for symptoms.

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The employee’s coworkers also have been notified of their possible exposure and all members of the clinic are wearing masks while around other people on campus, checking temperatures twice per day and monitoring for symptoms.

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Hershey Medical Center remains open to treat all patients and continues to provide safe, high-quality care. The hospital has suspended elective surgeries, put in place a restricted visitation policy and has an incident command structure up and running with operational leaders guiding the organization’s preparedness and response efforts.

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus and what should you do?

According to the CDC, reported illnesses from COVID-19 have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

Fever, cough and shortness of breath might appear 2 to 14 days after you've been exposed to the virus.

If you think you've been exposed to the coronavirus and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your primary healthcare provider immediately.

With further spread of the virus and disruptions to everyday life expected, officials remind residents to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

You should also cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow (not your hands), clean surfaces that are frequently touched (such as countertops, light switches and phones), and stay home if you are sick.

People are also asked not to attend large gatherings and to practice "social distancing."

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There is currently neither a vaccine nor an approved treatment for the new, or novel, coronavirus.

While younger people may experience the illness as a bad cold with a fever, the concern is that older people and those who have additional medical conditions will develop a more severe form of COVID-19.

As the disease spreads widely in the population, that could lead to a high number of patients requiring hospitalization for pneumonia or acute lung problems that require the use of a ventilator to breathe.