More Kona hospital employees test positive for COVID-19

Two additional Kona Community Hospital employees tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital said Wednesday.

The new positive cases bring the hospital’s total number of infected employees to three, according to hospital spokeswoman Judy Donovan. All of the employees who tested positive are quarantined at home.

The hospital said it will conduct an on-site testing clinic today to test all staff for potential COVID-19 exposure.

“Testing is mandatory for KCH and affiliated employees, physicians and any contractors working in the hospital,” said a statement from Donovan. “This testing is not open to the public.”

Hospital leaders and the KCH infection prevention department contacted Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group Hawaii to help conduct the pop-up testing. The hospital said broad testing of all staff is “a proactive measure to provide an immediate, accurate snapshot of personnel who may be potentially exposed to the COVID-19 virus.”

A secondary testing date is being coordinated for this weekend to accommodate screening of hospital families, hospital visitors and discharged patients who might be concerned about potential exposure while at the hospital.

“No one is exempt,” said acting hospital CEO Jay Kreuzer. “We’re conducting testing on all employees because it the right thing to do. It is the best way to ensure the safety of our staff, our patients and our community.”