COVID-19 Positivity Levels Constantly Changing, We Must Remain Vigilant

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing, and new variants continue to appear. New variants can cause a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe illness.

CHKD has offered on-site testing to team members with symptoms of COVID-19 since 2020. Analysis of our internal testing program indicates a recent decline in percent positivity for COVID-19. However, we must remain vigilant and responsible to care for each other and our patients. See data trackers below.

COVID-19 infections are still occurring in the community and will continue as the virus evolves. It is one of many contagious respiratory infections with similar symptoms. Proper use of masks is the first line of defense to prevent the spread of contagious respiratory infections to patients and co-workers and remains imperative for any symptomatic team member, regardless of what is causing symptoms.


Team Member COVID Testing Program

  • CHKDHS has mandatory influenza vaccination for all team members.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended.
  • Anyone with respiratory symptoms including, but not limited to, runny nose, congestion, cough, sore throat or body aches, should wear a mask at work.  Allergy symptoms can mimic respiratory infections and are included.  Anyone with fever should not be at work until fever free without fever reducing medications for 24 hours.
  • Any team member with symptoms should contact their designated occupational health representative. 
    • CHKDHS employees should contact Occupational Health (occupationalhealth@chkd.org or 757-668-7852) for instructions if they have symptoms, are exposed to, or test positive for COVID-19. Please do not send multiple emails or leave multiple messages.
    • All contract and temporary team members, and residents from EVMS and other medical facilities are to contact Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) via phone at 757-668-7230. This includes Environmental Services and Food and Nutrition Services.
    • CSG team members are to contact Randall Fisher.
    • Volunteers (who have been at CHKD within 2 days of onset of signs and symptoms) are to contact Volunteer Services at 757-668-7195 for guidance from IPAC.
    • Students (who have been at CHKDHS (within 2 days of onset of illness) should contact their school and IPAC.
  • Starting October 8, 2024, home COVID-19 rapid antigen testing can be performed.  Day zero is the start of symptoms. 
    • If positive, isolation is still required from days zero to five with return to work on day 6 with required masking through day 10, if approved by occupational health designee. Team members may opt to perform rapid antigen testing performed on day 5 and 7, and if both are negative, may work without a mask starting on day 8 if asymptomatic.
    • If negative, a second test may be performed 48 hours AFTER the first, and if negative, may return to work.
    • Masking is still required while symptomatic.
  • SARS-CoV2 PCR testing will still be available on request, as a negative test will allow return to work if no fever and symptoms are resolving, without waiting the 48-hour time period to re-test.


Have you been exposed to someone who is COVID-19-positive?

  • Wear a mask for ten days following the last date of exposure. Inform Occupational Health.
  • If you develop any symptoms, do not come to work. Contact Occupational Health

Updated: 10/17/2024