Patient exposes 34 employees to coronavirus at NCH North Naples

A person with COVID-19 symptoms ignored medical advice and exposed 34 employees at the NCH North Naples Hospital, officials said Wednesday.

The patient came into the emergency room at the hospital, was isolated and then didn’t follow instructions given by hospital staff, according to Jonathan Kling with NCH Healthcare System.

The exposed employees are now in self-isolation.

NCH did not say which procedures weren’t followed by the patient.

The hospital system has since changed visitation policies, but officials say that is for patient safety and not related to the ER case.

Pediatric visitors are limited to parents or guardians, with only two people per patient allowed in. Birthplace visitors are limited to one support person per patient, and ER visitors are encouraged to wait outside. For those who can’t, they need to wear a mask and wash their hands. Those who don’t will be sent from the building.

NCH said it’s postponing all unnecessary surgeries and Lee Health said it’s canceling all routine office visits like physicals.

There are three patients being treated at NCH facilities, with two at NCH Baker and one at the North Naples facility. Another was discharged and ordered to self-isolate at home.