Community Update – August 5, 2021

On August 4, four Olympic Medical Center employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Although all four work in the same outpatient clinic, some of these personnel have living and social circumstances outside of work where it is suspected that the virus was contracted through community-based exposure.

All four employees have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Only three are exhibiting any symptoms and none seriously ill at this time. COVID-19 vaccination is safe and highly effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and hospitalization.

Extensive contract tracing is currently underway so the area of the organization is currently closed, but health care transmission is believed to be unlikely due to extensive safety protocols and PPE usage. “We’d like to emphasize that we err on the side of extreme caution during contract tracing and when precluding employees from work,” stated Darryl Wolfe, chief executive officer, Olympic Medical Center. “We recognize that closing any clinical area for a couple days is disruptive for patients, however, our priority is to minimize any potential transmission of COVID-19 in our facilities.”

“Our employee health team has done a really good job at working with our staff throughout the pandemic,” adds Jennifer Burkhardt, chief human resources officer and general counsel. “Preclusion policies are adhered to and employees with even the mildest symptoms are asked to stay home to minimize any potential transmission.”