Four Tampa General Hospital employees test positive for COVID-19

Tampa General Hospital confirmed Thursday that four of its employees have tested positive for coronavirus.

According to the hospital, the employees work in both clinical and non-clinical roles. A statement from TGH said the team members were exposed to COVID-19 either through community spread or travel -- and because the employees are members of the community, they are "no exception."

The employees were sent home to self-isolate for up to 14 days. In order to return to work, each must not display any symptoms and have two negative COVID-19 tests. 

The hospital said the Florida Department of Health has been notified, and the hospital are following CDC guidelines for contact tracing of any employee who tests positive for coronavirus.

RELATED: Florida coronavirus cases jump 378 to 2,355; death toll rises to 28

The confirmed cases at TGH come at a time when more healthcare workers throughout the U.S. test positive for coronavirus.

“One out of 10 infections are in healthcare workers, and many more are in quarantine,” said Hans Kluge of the World Health Organization. “They are responding tirelessly to protect and care for you. We can only imagine their increased levels of stress during these times. Yet they are making great sacrifices for the benefit of the broader community."  

Sarasota Memorial Hospital says no employees have tested positive, but have had to self-quarantine.

“The biggest way to control that is having test results quicker,” said James Fiorica, the hospital’s chief medical officer. “The sooner we can get the test results, we know whether they’re positive or negative in our employees that are quarantined, so we can get them back in the workforce.”

At TGH, officials tell FOX 13 they are not currently testing employee temperatures before they clock in for work.

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know

AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com

Map of known COVID-19 cases:

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