COVID-19 Positivity Levels

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.

COVID-19 is on the increase nationally as well as locally (see data trackers below). Over the past month, our patient and team member positivity levels have risen sharply. We must remain vigilant and responsible to care for each other and our patients.


What to do if you have Symptoms

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.


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


COVID -19 Testing

  • Antigen tests are rapid tests used in many urgent cares and at-home tests.
  • Positive results are accurate and reliable and are accepted by OCC Health and IPAC.
  • However, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus. Therefore, if you have a negative antigen test and have symptoms, we will require a NAAT test (PCR) to be sure you do not have COVID-19.


Return to Work Following a Positive Test

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be on home isolation for five days (day of test is day 0).
  • You may return to work on day 6, provided your symptoms are resolving and mild, you are able wear a mask, and you have no fever or diarrhea (without medications).
  • You must wear a medical-grade mask for an additional 5 days (through day 10).
  • You must keep 6 feet away from others during times where you must be unmasked, such as meal breaks through day 10.
  • You must change masks before and after being in the room of a patient on Droplet or Enhanced Contact/Droplet Precautions.
  • EVMS Residents will return to work based on current CDC healthcare guidance through EVMS.

Publish Date: 8/19/2024