Backgound:Currently, the OMICRON Covid-19 Variant has become the predominant variant in New Jersey. Transmission rates are 2-3 times higher than the Delta Variant, which will cause widespread transmission among our staff and patient populations, even among vaccinated individuals (also known as break though infection). Among fully vaccinated and boosted individuals who contract Omicron, the symptoms are generally mild to none for most.
Situation:Due to the widespread transmission among healthy fully vaccinated healthcare workers, and because of the high patient volume into the Emergency Departments (at a time of critical staffing) the following situation now exists:
As Chief Medical Officer of St. Joseph’s Health, I am declaring a Contingency Healthcare Situation now exists. In order to provide safe staffing and preserve patient safety, the following measures shall be adopted until the Contingency Healthcare Situation no longer exists:
- All boosted healthcare workers who sustain Covid-19 exposure and remain asymptomatic, shall be permitted to continue clinical duties without restrictions and with the continued use of PPE and social distancing.
- All Boosted, Vaccinated or Unvaccinated who contract SARS-CoV-2 infection may return to work at 5 days (with/without negative testing) or if asymptomatic or mildly asymptomatic with improving symptoms.
- At Home (antigen testing) will not be accepted as proof of active SARS-CoV-2 Infection, instead confirmation by PCR testing must occur (this is the current test SJH utilizes for all testing).
NOTE ON EMPLOYEE COVID-19 TESTING:
No “on-demand” COVID-19 testing will be provided to employees through the Emergency Department. PLEASE ADHERE TO THIS POLICY.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.