Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville has confirmed "less than 20 employees" have tested positive for COVID-19.
"We believe none have become infected through patient contact and all are in quarantine at home," said CEO Dr. Jeff Balser in a video posted Thursday. All are in self isolation, a spokesperson said.
Vanderbilt has a total of 24,039 employees, according to Modern Healthcare's financial database. The hospital is one of the largest academic medical centers in the country, caring for around 2 million patients every year.
Tennessee had 154 confirmed virus cases as of Thursday afternoon, mostly in the middle section of the state.
Thirteen counties will soon have drive-thru testing sites, including Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Health officials said Shelby County's ten COVID-19 cases may show signs of community spread.
On Thursday, Vanderbilt announced it was canceling elective procedures. It also posted guidance on Wednesday for employees returning after travel.
Employees were allowed to return to work even if they had traveled to regions labeled "Level 3" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They would have to wear a surgical mask for 14 days after leaving affected countries.
Staff members who worked while sick at multiple long-term care facilities contributed to the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable elderly in the Seattle area, federal health officials said Wednesday.
Thirty-five coronavirus deaths have been linked to Life Care Center in Kirkland. The CDC on Wednesday provided the most detailed account to date of what drove the outbreak still raging in the Seattle area where authorities closed down restaurants, bars, health clubs, movie theaters and other gathering spots this week.
