[MCOH-EH] Covid-19 restrictions for vulnerable healthcare personnel

[Teichman, Ron F]

At this point the first question that must be asked is why does an immunocompromised HCW feel they cannot be around someone potentially infected with COVID-19, but has no such concern over potential infections with measles, TB or influenza? If they are immunocompromised they should avoid contact with potentially infectious patients, but should not pick an dchoose which disease they don't want to work around (remind anyone of GRIDS?).  

Ron Teichman, M.D., M.P.H., FACOEM, FACP
Division Medical Director
Banner Occupational Health and Wellness
1300 N. 12th Street, Suite 610
Phoenix, AZ 85006
602-747-7294
Ron.teichman at bannerhealth.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net> On Behalf Of Sumeet Batra
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2020 5:58 PM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [MCOH-EH] Covid-19 restrictions for vulnerable healthcare personnel

Hello,

I am interested in what my colleagues at other institutions are doing with vulnerable HCP, such as HCP over 60, pregnant, immunocompromised.  At this time my institution has not recommended changes in work practices, such as not assigning these workers to known or suspected Covid cases but we are getting a lot of pushback from employees and physicians who feel unsafe.  I am wary of the legal/ethical/logistical issues that could arise from creating these restrictions but would be very interested in how others are handling this.

Sumeet Batra, MD, MPH
Medical Director of Occupational Health
Cook Children’s Healthcare System
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