5/1 Question

5/1 Question

by Molly Nyberg -

Dr. Cook had mention not being able to retest a recovering patient before releasing from the hospital who had been diagnosed with COVID-19. If patients are not able to be retested and some are not able to be tested at all, is there a way of knowing when someone has fully recovered? Could releasing people from the hospital who may still be infected worsen the pandemic or aid in the current spread of the pandemic. 

He also mentioned that if the patient tested positive that they would have to remain in the hospital. Does this mean they are telling the patient that they have fully recovered or are the warned that they may still being infectious?

Re: 5/1 Question

by Barbara Christie-Pope -

Unfortunately, hospitals are paid per patient.  If a patient remains in the hospital too long, the hospital will lose money.  So the hospital wants to get someone out as soon as possible so that they can "use the bed" for someone else and get paid.  Sad to think about but it's the reality.

releasing someone who is still testing positive is problematic