Two nurses at Waikato Hospital have tested postive for Covid-19.
Waikato Hospital (file) Photo: Supplied / Facebook
Waikato DHB said the nurses, who work in the same ward, were stood down immediately on developing symptoms.
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Waikato DHB Chief Executive Dr Kevin Snee said the hospital was taking all precautions.
"The staff acted in line with DHB policy to stand down if they are unwell. However, there is a very small risk of transmission even in those without symptoms and we have therefore taken a very precautionary approach," Snee said in a statement.
Snee said staff working on that ward during the previous week - 31 March to 6 April - have been stood down as the DBH gets more information regarding nursing movements.
The DHB aims to return those staff where there is no risk back to the workforce as quickly as possible, he said.
The ward provides general medical services, mostly for people 65 years old and above.
There are no Covid-19-positive patients in the ward at present, Snee said
The DHB said staff have all the recommended PPE available to them and are trained in its use in addition to facemasks being available for casual contacts with patients and other staff.
It has informed staff and has discussed the situation with all affected inpatients and, where appropriate, their family members, Snee said.
"The staff on the ward have displayed great resilience and professionalism in dealing with this issue and we thank them for their openness and understanding. We expect to have many of them resume work in the next few days."
- If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre
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