“UNSCIENTIFIC AND DANGEROUS”: CALIFORNIA HEALTHCARE WORKERS REACT TO CDPH GUIDANCE ALLOWING THEM TO RETURN AFTER COVID EXPOSURE WITHOUT ISOLATION OR TESTING

Healthcare workers say staffing guidance intended to deal with patient surge could jeopardize the safety of patients and healthcare workers, and increase spread of the virus in hospitals.

Pasadena, CA - The Service Employees International Union Local 121RN (SEIU 121RN) released the following statements in reaction to a January 8 guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health, which allows healthcare workers to return to work in hospitals after they have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19. The guidance allows hospitals to put covid-positive nurses and other healthcare workers to work without any testing or isolation periods.

The following statement may be attributed to Rosanna Mendez, Executive Director, SEIU 121RN:

“Healthcare workers understand that CDPH must take steps to deal with the ongoing surge in hospital patients resulting from the Omicron variant. However, the decision to allow them to return to work following exposure to COVID-19—without testing or isolation—is irresponsible and a huge mistake that will jeopardize everyone’s health. This plan is unscientific and dangerous, and, given what we know about the transmissibility of the new variant, we believe it will put healthcare workers and patients at unnecessary risk. It is unconscionable that decisions are made without listening to the voices of those who provide the care at great risk to their own health and safety.

While we are relieved that plans to handle the surge by issuing waivers releasing hospitals from nurse-to-patient ratios will not be implemented, we have grave concerns about the measure that will take its place. Healthcare workers have made tremendous sacrifices to keep patients safe and hospitals operational throughout the pandemic. Many have fallen ill, and nearly all have borne witness to immense suffering and death. Public health officials should think of that sacrifice—and listen to frontline healthcare workers—in devising any plan to ensure hospitals are sufficiently staffed.”

The following statement may be attributed to Joyce Powell, RN, Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank:

“As an Emergency Department nurse, I have seen far too much suffering throughout this pandemic, and I support sensible measures to contain the virus. Putting COVID-positive nurses at the bedside is a frightening prospect—one which throws our careful patient segregation measures into chaos. We know that transmission within hospitals is a real threat, and this move will put the most vulnerable patients at risk. Patients should be able to trust that they are safe in our hands, not worry that we will infect them.”

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*SEIU Local 121RN represents registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in California. This member-led organization is committed to supporting optimum working conditions that allow nurses to provide quality patient care and safety.