PA Orders Stricter Measures To Protect Hospital Staff

PENNSYLVANIA — The state has ordered stricter measures be put in place to protect hospital staff from coronavirus, the Department of Health announced this week, in response to safety issues brought up by front-line workers around the state.

Hospitals are charged with developing and implementing policies that adhere to the new set of standards by Monday, June 15.

"I have heard from nurses and staff, and this order responds directly to many of their safety concerns," Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement. "It ensures that the necessary steps are in place to deliver a safer environment so these workers can continue providing high-quality care during these extraordinary times.”

Specifically, the following regulations must be codified:

• Hospitals must notify staff members within 24 horus if they've been in close contact with someone who might be infected
• All staff members must be tested for coronavirus once they have contact with someone who is potentially infected
• Damaged masks must be replaced
• Requring universal masking within hospitals, save for those who cannot due to medical reasons, or for children under the age of two

Additionally, hospital staff, patients, and family are urged to report any perceived safety issues to the state by calling 1-800-254-5164 or filling out a form online.

Coronavirus cases have decreased significantly around the state, as all counties have moved out of the red phase of reopening and into the yellow or green phases. However, hospital workers continue to be exposed the virus regularly.

The state has recorded 76,436 cases of coronavirus as of Wednesday morning, in addition to 6,014 confirmed deaths due to the virus.