Question: A patient in our retina clinic tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and several staff members were likely exposed, including a few technicians who this week called in sick with symptoms. What are the quarantine or other office protocols they should follow? Do we need close down for a period or alert other patients or staff who may have been in contact with this patient?

Answer: For COVID-19 exposure in the workplace, contact the local health department for county and state-specific guidelines. Also assist with any necessary contract tracing.

Additional resources:

• Use CDC Guidelines to Evaluate Staff With COVID-19 Exposure Risk 
• Module 5.2: Develop Reopening and Recovery Protocols – this tool provides protocol examples for employee COVID-19 screening and testing, and additional CDC resources for patients with confirmed or possible COVID-19
• Employee Guidance & Operational Safety – In this AAOE-sponsored webinar, learn about employee guidance and operational safety in the COVID-19 era. 

Learn more about testing in Retina Complete Reference Guide.