Doctor at Children's Wisconsin tests positive for coronavirus

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A doctor at Children's Wisconsin tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a release from the hospital Wednesday, March 18. 

Officials with Children's Wisconsin said the doctor traveled out of state before any travel restrictions were in place and was exposed during that time. As soon as he learned of the exposure, he followed protocol.

The doctor is quarantined at home with mild symptoms and is recovering, the release said. 

Hospital officials want to reassure people they have systems in place to prevent infections, and they have expanded those systems greatly because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

There are more than 100 confirmed cases in Wisconsin. 

On Monday, March 16, Children's Wisconsin postponed all non-time-sensitive surgeries and clinic appointments in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. 

Read the full statement from Children's Wisconsin just below: 

"A doctor at Children’s Wisconsin has tested positive for COVID-19 after exposure to an individual who was positive for the virus in connection with travel outside Wisconsin before relevant travel restrictions were in effect. The provider is quarantined at home, with mild symptoms, and is recovering.

We have offered our colleague our care and support in managing self-quarantine. We have seen this happen at health care organizations across the nation, and we knew it was only a matter of time before we had a confirmed case on our team.

Our Infection Prevention team, working with the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wauwatosa Health Department, are identifying and contacting all staff and all patient families with exposure to the diagnosed doctor. Patient families will be given individualized instructions and support for their needs. Staff will also be instructed on next steps based on CDC guidelines, ranging from monitoring symptoms, self-quarantine or testing.

Our priority is always the health and well-being of our patients, our staff and providers, and our larger Wisconsin community. We have rigorous internal systems for infection prevention, and have expanded them greatly in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Every COVID-19 case underscores the need for all of us to stay vigilant in the face of the virus, while offering support and care to all those who need it in our community."
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