PHOENIX — A physician with the Phoenix Children's Hospital tested positive for the coronavirus, the hospital announced Wednesday.
In a series of tweets, officials said a "member of our team" tested positive for COVID-19.
"This employee followed best practices and is recuperating at home," part of the tweets read.
"No patients, families or fellow employees were exposed to the virus, per local and federal health authorities."
In an expanded statement, the hospital said the physician treated one patient in clinic on Friday and did not examine any other patients in person last week.
"The provider was not symptomatic while working on Friday and adhered to best practices, which included standard precautions, for infection control," the statement continued.
"Per guidance from the CDC, Maricopa County Department of Health and our precautionary measures exercised in the clinic, exposure is unlikely."
The hospital has notified the family and other staff members who had contact with the physician out of an abundance of caution.
The doctor who tested positive began showing symptoms late Friday evening, while off-duty.
A test for the coronavirus was performed that came back positive.
"Our physician is self-isolating and recovering at home. It is believed the doctor was exposed to the virus in a community setting," the statement continued.
There have been 403 reported cases of coronavirus in Arizona, and at least six coronavirus-related deaths as of Wednesday.
It was not immediately known whether this case was among the reported cases.
Here's the breakdown of cases county-by-county:
- Maricopa County: 251
- Pinal County: 23
- Pima County: 49
- Coconino County: 23
- Navajo County: 37
- Apache County: 7
- Cochise County: 2
- Graham County: 2
- Santa Cruz County: 1
- Yavapai County: 4
- Yuma County: 3
- Mohave County: 1
COVID-19 is believed to be primarily spread through coughs or sneezes.
It may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread, the CDC says.
You should consult your doctor if you traveled to an area currently affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, so the best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You can text FACTS to 602-444-1212 to receive more information on the coronavirus and to ask questions.
