A husband seemingly ill with COVID-19 hid his symptoms so he could visit his wife in the maternity ward at upstate New York hospital.
The unidentified man reportedly went to the Strong Memorial Hospital so he could be with his wife during childbirth. He assured the medical staff he felt good and had not been exposed to the coronavirus. Within a day of giving birth, the woman began displaying symptoms of the virus. And only after his wife started showing symptoms, the husband decided to tell the truth about his exposure to the virus.
Due to HIPPA privacy laws, no information can be released on whether or not the mother, father, or newborn are infected with the virus. However, the nurse who attended to the needs of the family tested negative for the virus.
The University Rochester Medical Center announced that there will now be temperature checks at all affiliated hospitals.
“It was purely an honor system before…Now we’re performing routine temperature checks.” UR Medicine Center spokesperson, Chip Partner tells the Democrat and Chronicle.
Several hospitals throughout New York have banned most visitors in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. Two weeks ago, Rochester Medical Center began to restrict most visitors in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
Parents with a child admitted to the hospital, a person whose loved one is terminally ill, and a spouse to support the woman during childbirth are the only exception to the restrictions.
Visitors will now be asked if they’ve been in close distance with anyone suspect of having the virus. Staff will perform temperatures checks on visitors upon arrival, and every 12 hours as long as the visitor remains in the hospital.
