An analysis of nearly 7,000 adults hospitalized with COVID-19 during March through May 2020 found that approximately 6% of those hospitalized were health care personnel. Hospitalized health care personnel most commonly (36%) worked in nursing-related occupations, and nearly all health care personnel (90%) had at least one underlying medical condition, with obesity as the most commonly reported condition. Approximately 28% of hospitalized health care personnel with COVID-19 were admitted to an ICU, 16% required invasive mechanical ventilation, and 4% died. These findings show that COVID-19 infection can lead to severe illness among health care personnel, which also could decrease the workforce capacity of the health care system. It is important for all health care personnel to strictly follow recommended infection prevention and control guidance, including proper use of recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning hands, and physical distancing. It is also critical for everyone to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community, by wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth in public, washing hands often, and staying at least six feet from others who don’t live with you.

Read the full report: “COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations Among Health Care Personnel — COVID-NET, 13 States, March 1–May 31, 2020”